There has been a major update on the injury which threatens to rule West Ham star Emerson Palmieri out of the crunch Freiburg clash.
West Ham have it all to do when they face Freiburg in their big Europa League last 16 second leg this week.
The Hammers must turn around a 1-0 first leg defeat against the Germans at the London Stadium.
It was a hearts in mouths moment when one of West Ham’s most important players went down injured in Germany.
Emerson Palmieri is on course to be in the mix for the prestigious honour of being Hammer of the Year.
He is essential to this West Ham side playing well and David Moyes has absolutely no quality back-up anywhere close to Emerson’s level in reserve.
West Ham sweating on key man for Freiburg
The way the Brazilian-born Italian international gets up and down the left and combines with Lucas Paqueta is crucial.
I reported previously that West Ham were facing an anxious wait over the extent of the injury to Emerson.
He was not in the Hammers squad for the draw with Burnley. And the clock is ticking to Thursday’s do-or-die European clash.
I have now spoken to the most senior contact at the club.
Mixed news as top source delivers Emerson update
And the top source inside West Ham has rated the chances of star Emerson facing Freiburg.
Emerson’s injury is to his groin and thigh area. And there’s mixed news.
I have been told by the key contact that the ’tissue injury’ is not serious and would normally keep a player out for one or two weeks.
West Ham are doing everything in their power to have Emerson available for Freiburg. But his chances of making the game have been rated at 25 per cent.
‘Next 48 hours are critical’
“It’s the groin or thigh area and the next 48 hours are critical,” the source told Hammers News.
“It’s just soft tissue damage, NOT a long injury, 7-14 days.
“There’s a 25 per cent chance he will be available (for Freiburg).”
Should Emerson not make it back in time Moyes must decide between Aaron Cresswell or Ben Johnson to deputise.
The manager must also weigh up the risk of making anything worse for Emerson with a tough run of games coming up against Aston Villa, Newcastle, Spurs and Wolves which could more or less decide whether West Ham finish in a European spot in the Premier League table.