West Ham manager David Moyes has confirmed that right-back Vladimir Coufal may miss the clash with Rapid Vienna.
The Hammers are already without backup option Ryan Fredericks after the Englishman injured a thigh against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
Coufal had been expected to play an eighth game of the season but now looks unlikely to feature for the Irons.
Speaking to the club’s official website, as cited on Twitter, Moyes confirmed Coufal’s potential blow.
Ryan (Fredericks) is not available [for Thursday] from his injury. We’ve got a bit of doubt with Vladimír Coufal as well, but apart from that, we’re hoping that most people are available and fit.
The 24 times capped Czech Republic ace has been a revelation since arriving at the London Stadium and his absence will be felt hard.
Academy graduate Ben Johnson is likely to be asked to deputise should Coufal fail to make the starting lineup.
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Moyes will be reticent to include the combative Czech star unless he is 100 per cent fit and ready.
With Brentford heading to east London in the Premier League on Sunday, no risks should be taken for a game Johnson is perfectly capable of coping in.
Named as part of the Czech Republic squad to face Wales and Belarus over the international break, communications between club and country would clearly suggest the problem isn’t too serious.
