West Ham United could be handed their first blow of the season on the opening weekend, with Lukasz Fabianski considered as an injury doubt ahead of Saturday’s clash against champions Manchester City.
The 34-year-old looks set for a fitness test after missing training today and has already undergone an MRI scan on a groin strain suffered during the warm-up before last week’s 5-3 win against Hertha Berlin.
Fabianski was one of the Hammers’ best players last season and will have been thriving on the chance to try and stop the league’s most potent attack, but that role may now be down to new signing Roberto.
Read West Ham’s verdict
So, what do we know about Roberto? Also experienced, aged 33, he joined West Ham this summer on a two-year deal after his Espanyol release. He has tallied 300 senior matches in Spain, Portugal and Greece, won six trophies and has Champions League experience.
One thing Roberto holds is experience at the highest level, so don’t think for a second he’ll be nervous over the prospect of facing Pep Guardiola and co. The Hammers have added younger options during the transfer window, so his presence in the dressing room is bound to be valuable.
Regardless of Fabianski’s undoubted quality, supporters will give Roberto a chance and you never know, he may pull off a stunning performance to kick the club’s season off with a shock win against the best the country has to offer.
