West Ham have been handed a backhanded boost ahead of their trip to Yorkshire to face Leeds United on Friday night as the hosts confirmed the absence of a key player.
The Whites were hit with a big injury blow when centre-back Robin Koch was forced off against Chelsea on Saturday and it has since been revealed that the German will undergo surgery on the issue.
David Moyes is hoping to bounce back from Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Manchester United with a return to winning ways.
Koch’s absence will no doubt be felt by Marcelo Bielsa’s side – the 24-year-old was recently described as a ‘leader’ by former Leeds player Noel Whelan and had played every minute of every game in the league this season until he came off after just nine minutes on Saturday.
Friday night’s match looks set to be a battle of two contrasting styles as Moyes and Bielsa go head-to-head for the first time in their long and distinguished careers.
Leeds have been dubbed the league’s great entertainers on their return to the top flight whilst the Hammers usually take a far more reserved approach to their fixtures, although it has often been effective in recent weeks.
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Leeds have not been been the epitome of defensive solidity since their return to the Premier League – in fact, only two teams have conceded more goals than them so far this season.
However, were it not for Koch’s steady influence at the heart of the defence, that stat – and indeed the table – could read a lot worse for the Elland Road club.
The Irons could capitalise on an even more vulnerable defensive setup as Moyes attempts to get West Ham back on the winning trail.
