Insider ExWHUemployee has provided some fresh information on injured West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.
Over the weekend, the right-back was left out of the Hammers squad and played no part in the 2-1 home victory over Everton in the Premier League – not even making the bench.
After the game, manager David Moyes explained that the player had suffered a hamstring issue while off with the England U21 team.
Will Ben Johnson play against Lyon?
Yes
No
And now, while discussing the situation on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex explained that Johnson had personally warned Moyes of his concern, but remained hopeful we would be fine for the upcoming Lyon match in the Europa League.
He said: “Ben Johnson felt his hamstring a little bit whilst he was playing for England Under-21s.
“And he trained on the Friday, and he trained yesterday [Sunday]. But apparently, at the end of the training, he spoke to Moyes. And he said, it still feels a little bit tight.”
He then went on to say: “Hopefully he’ll be available for the Lyon game.”
TIF Thoughts on Ben Johnson and West Ham…
Many supporters will be relieved to hear Ex makes this positive fitness claim about the defender. After all, they have a huge Europa League tie coming up against Lyon later this week.
Johnson has impressed in Europe this season, and according to WhoScored, he has an average match rating of 7.17 across his four outings for the Hammers.
With that in mind, fans will want the youngster fit and available for the clash. Even so, at the very least, manager Moyes has Ryan Fredericks and Vladimir Coufal as alternative options.
In other news: ‘I get the impression…’ – Ex claims WHUFC duo now ‘almost certain to go’ in big GSB decision