Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell believes it would be a ‘big blow’ to West Ham‘s chances were Jesse Lingard to miss Monday night’s clash with Burnley at Turf Moor.
This follows a report claiming the 28-year-old is a doubt for the trip to Lancashire having undergone ‘intensive treatment’ after being replaced before the 90-minute mark against Newcastle United last week.
Despite David Moyes suggesting Lingard was merely suffering from cramp, the reports have suggested the Manchester United loanee is still being ‘hampered’ by the issue.
Campbell, who played 325 times in the top flight for various clubs, told Football Insider that David Moyes will be desperate for the attacking midfielder to be fit.
It would be a big blow if he is not fit for the weekend. He brings a lot of their goal threat, so that would be massively reduced. I hope he is fit because he is having one hell of a second half of the season. It really has been incredible. If he does not make it then somebody else is going to have to step up, a Lanzini or a Benrahma.
The 51-year-old went on to say it would be ‘very difficult’ for West Ham to cope without Lingard, along with Declan Rice and Michail Antonio.
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With fixtures running out for the Hammers to break back into the top four, points are now at a premium.
Currently sat three points behind Chelsea, Moyes and co will know anything but a near-perfect record between now and the end of the campaign will see them miss out.
Lingard’s impact since arriving has been phenomenal – scoring nine goals in just 11 Premier League appearances – his absence would no doubt be a crushing blow.
