West Ham United return to action this weekend as they host Leeds United in the FA Cup for a chance to go to Wembley. The Hammers have used the cup to their advantage this season, allowing it to keep their momentum going as they fight to stay in the Premier League.
The only mistake Nuno Espirito Santo’s team have made in the competition, is playing Crysencio Summerville in the last round against Brentford. The 24-year-old was brought on at half-time but as the game approached penalties, the winger picked up a calf injury.
The injury saw Summerville miss the team’s next two games. West Ham would secure a point against Manchester City but would succumb to Aston Villa in a lacklustre performance without their star attacker.
The Dutchman is expected to be available this weekend as Leeds United come to the London Stadium. Despite this, Nuno needs to look to other options and not risk Summerville in the FA Cup with their Premier League status on the line.
Crysencio Summerville’s importance to the Hammers
This season Summerville has hit the highest heights in a Hammers shirt, with his best attacking returns not only for the club, but in his career in the Premier League. Whilst the gameplan against Manchester City would have worked without him, how the Irons set up against Aston Villa left a glaring Summerville hole.
Since the turn of the year, the 24-year-old has been the standout player going forward for West Ham. In 27 appearances the Dutchman has scored seven goals including winners over Fulham and Burton Albion whilst also scoring important goals in the wins over Sunderland and Burnley.
Crysencio Summerville’s 2025/26 West Ham United Statistics
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 27 | 7 | 2 |
The lack of attacking potency in the loss to Villa is exactly why the Hammers can’t risk Summerville on Sunday. The games are beginning to come thick and fast and Nuno’s team will know that the winger is a huge part of their survival fight.
What’s to come for West Ham?
After this weekend’s game against Leeds United in the FA Cup, West Ham return to Premier League action, hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Following the relegation six-pointer with Wolves, Nuno’s team head to Crystal Palace in another massive game in the fight to avoid relegation.
The Iron’s return to Saturday action against Everton before an away day at Brentford on the following weekend.
