Liverpool are preparing to face West Ham with confidence, buoyed further by the latest updates from their opponents’ squad. According to Hammers News, Julen Lopetegui’s side is grappling with a series of setbacks that could heavily influence the upcoming clash.
West Ham will be without five key players. Max Kilman was forced off during their last match due to a puzzling shoulder injury sustained without any apparent contact. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who had been in excellent form, suffered a concussion after a head injury and had to be stretchered off. Additionally, midfielder Carlos Soler, substituted at halftime, is dealing with a serious knee issue, making his involvement against Liverpool unlikely given the short recovery window.
Adding to Lopetegui’s woes, central midfielders Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will miss the game due to suspensions after picking up yellow cards in their last outing. These absences leave West Ham’s midfield severely depleted, presenting a major challenge for the Spanish manager as he looks to field a competitive lineup.
While the return of Lucas Paquetá from suspension offers some relief, it’s unlikely to fully offset the impact of the numerous injuries and bans. Lopetegui faces a tough selection dilemma as he attempts to navigate these issues ahead of Liverpool’s visit.
On the other hand, Liverpool have their own injury concerns but are hopeful about the gradual return of Federico Chiesa, who could soon feature more regularly in the squad. The Reds will aim to carry their strong form, which has seen them claim the league’s top spot, into this match.
The previous Carabao Cup encounter between the two sides saw Lopetegui expressing frustration over refereeing decisions, suggesting the Hammers might be looking for retribution this time around. However, Liverpool fans will hope that their team’s impressive run continues, leaving West Ham little room to mount a challenge.
With the Reds riding high and West Ham facing significant squad troubles, all signs point to another positive result for Liverpool.
