---
title: "Alvaro Arbeloa ruled out for West Brom clash"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2016/09/15/alvaro-arbeloa-ruled-west-brom-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2016-09-15T17:53:52Z"
modified: "2016-09-15T17:53:52Z"
---

# Alvaro Arbeloa ruled out for West Brom clash

In their weekly [injury room update](https://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2016/September/15-September/From-the-Treatment-Room), West Ham have confirmed that Alvaro Arbeloa is nearing a first-team debut.

West Ham’s Head of Medical and Sport Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke, has stated that the Spanish World Cup winner has had another strong week of training and is close to a first-team debut, but won’t feature on Saturday against West Brom.

“Alvaro Arbeloa is working very hard on the training pitch, having arrived with us in a good physical condition. If all goes to plan, he will be available to play some part in the EFL Cup against Accrington Stanley next week.” Vandenbroucke told the official site.

Arbeloa was signed on a free transfer on transfer deadline day following his June release from Real Madrid following a seven-year spell with the La Liga giants.

Before his time in Spain’s capital, the 33-year-old spent two-and-a-half years with Liverpool where he became somewhat of a fan favourite at Anfield.

He signed a one-year deal with the Hammers to provide some short-term competition and to mentor Sam Byram to help him become a better fullback.

Byram’s struggles last week against Watford, namely Odion Ighalo, was the source of calls from West Ham fans to have Slaven Bilic drop the youngster for Arbeloa to make his West Ham debut.

However, he won’t be involved this weekend, with next week’s EFL cup fixture with Accrington Stanley earmarked for his maiden appearance.