The hamstring injury picked up by Edson Alvarez just under two weeks ago might just be concerning those in power at West Ham United.
West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez was playing for Mexico in the Copa America 12 days ago, when he left he pitch in tears after picking up a hamstring injury.
It was obviously concerning to see at the time. He has firmly established himself as a key player for West Ham, after moving to the London Stadium from Ajax for around £34 million last summer.
Lopetegui addressed the media earlier this week, and suggested that the injury picked up by the Mexico international was ‘bad news’ for the Hammers.
Alvarez was the glue that held us together last season as far as I’m concerned, with his incredible ability to receive the ball in tight spaces, and composure in possession.
That skillset will be vital for Lopetegui, what with the Spaniard’s insistence on his teams building up play from the back.
Usually, hamstring injuries take around four weeks to recover from, but depending on the severity of the problem, Alvarez could be set for a few months on the sidelines.
And if that is the case, the Hammers will obviously have to bring in someone to deputise for the former Ajax man.
West Ham must be concerned about Edson Alvarez
No official word has come out of the club yet regarding how long the Mexico international will be out of action for.
If it’s a grade one hamstring tweak, he’ll be back in a couple of weeks. However, if it’s a complete tear, he could be missing until around October, maybe even November.
Lopetegui apparently has a contingency plan in place, just in case he’s unable to call upon Alvarez for a few months.
However, the player who the Hammers boss has in mind won’t come cheap…
According to a report from Manchester World, West Ham have once again thrown their hat in the ring to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United this summer.
David Moyes desperately tried to bring the Scotland international to the London Stadium during his time in charge of the Hammers, but failed in the end.
Manchester United reportedly want around £40 million for McTominay (Give Me Sport) – a player who will be out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer of 2025.
However, the Red Devils have the option to extend that deal by a further two years, so they still hold plenty of power when it comes to negotiations.
Described as an ‘incredible’ midfielder by Goal, the 27-year-old Man United star has proven time and time again that he is a top-class Premier League performer.
McTominay is incredibly strong in the tackle, quick along the ground and possesses bundles of energy and athleticism.
He plays with real aggression and his fighting spirit would be a major boost for West Ham, if Edson Alvarez is indeed out for a while.
However, I highly doubt the West Ham owners will be prepared to pay £40 million for someone who will serve as cover for the Mexican. We shall see though.
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