West Ham have received a much-needed boost on the fitness front after both Nuno Espirito Santo and Crysencio Summerville appeared to hint that the Dutchman is close to a return from injury.
If West Ham are to stand a realistic chance of Premier League survival this season Nuno Espirito Santo simply must have his star attacking players available more often than not.
The Hammers have a severe lack of options in key areas, but particularly up front.
Underinvestment in the summer has meant West Ham are just an injury to Crysencio Summerville or Jarrod Bowen away from crisis.
So the last thing Nuno needed was Summerville picking up a new injury of late, just a couple of months after returning from spending most of the year recovering from a serious injury.
West Ham and Bowen not the same without Summerville
Summerville spent eight months out after initially opting to try and heal naturally from his injury sustained at Villa Park back in January before admitting defeat and going under the knife after a setback when he tried to return to West Ham training.
Summerville is vital to the Hammers with his electric pace and skill.
He is also key for captain Bowen. When Summerville plays, the opposition cannot afford to double up on Bowen.
When Summerville is out, though, West Ham’s lack of quality options in attack means opponents know they just have to stop Bowen and they can stop the Hammers.
Nuno Espirito Santo should risk starting Crysencio Summerville v Brighton. What do you make of his impact this season?
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Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Summerville’s shock absence from the squad for the draw at Bournemouth was a huge blow.
Insiders reassured fans that Summerville’s injury was only a ‘minor knock’.
But concerns have been growing since the £26m man missed the Liverpool and Man United games since.
Bowen has looked exhausted in recent games and not having Summerville to share the attacking load with has not helped.
The Hammers have a chance of climbing out of the Premier League relegation zone when they go to Brighton on Sunday.
Burnley, Leeds and Forest each face tough games against Newcastle, Liverpool and Everton respectively.
Summerville drops big West Ham return hint
So victory for Nuno’s side at the Amex could be a huge shot in the arm.
Lucas Paqueta will return after a one-game ban and Nuno says the Brazilian will start against Brighton.
The big question on everyone’s lips has been whether Summerville might too.
Now West Ham have received a major Summerville injury boost as the Hammers star drops a big recovery hint.
The Dutch winger, who joined the Hammers last summer from Leeds, has endured a frustrating first 18 months in east London.
But comments from Nuno and now a cryptic update from the player himself have sparked optimism that Summerville could soon be back in action, possibly even at Brighton.
How are you feeling ahead of West Ham’s Brighton trip? What are your pre-match predictions?
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“I think hopefully Crysencio returns soon,” Nuno told the press in his latest West Ham press conference, titled ‘Summerville close to return.”
“We miss him, we know what he gives to the team.
“Let’s see, we need all the players. I hope he can be back.”
To add to the intrigue, Summerville himself has dropped a hint he will be returning soon too.
When the
Posting on his Instagram Stories, Summerville – who is deeply religious – quoted Isaiah 60:22 – a biblical promise from the Old Testament – when appearing to drop a major clue he is close to a return.
West Ham star quotes biblical promise and shares Hammers video in recovery update
“When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen,” Summerville posted next to a cross on Instagram.
Summerville also posted a montage of clips of him in action for West Ham, a hint he is ready to return to the pitch.
West Ham are in desperate need of Summerville’s pace, creativity, and goal threat.
So the timing of this update couldn’t be better.
Whether he makes the squad for the Brighton clash remains to be seen, but if not then Summerville should almost certainly be in the side to face Aston Villa at home next weekend.
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