West Ham United are set to begin the Championship season without Tomáš Souček after the midfielder suffered ligament damage to his left ankle.
Souček sustained the injury while representing Czechia during their final World Cup group match against Mexico in Mexico City.
The 31-year-old was forced off during the second half of the 3-0 defeat and returned to West Ham for further medical checks.
The club’s official injury update confirmed Souček had damaged ankle ligaments, although West Ham did not initially place a firm timescale on his recovery.
Subsequent reports have suggested he could spend around six to eight weeks on the sidelines, placing his involvement at the start of the season in serious doubt.
Nuno faces early West Ham midfield problem
Souček’s absence leaves Nuno Espírito Santo with an important decision as he prepares West Ham for their promotion campaign.
The Czech international remains one of the squad’s strongest aerial players and offers a regular goal threat from midfield. His physical presence could also have suited the demands of Championship football.
Edson Álvarez has been linked with a move away, while Mateus Fernandes has already joined Tottenham. West Ham may therefore need to accelerate their search for another central midfielder.
As Read West Ham reported earlier this month, Souček is expected to miss the opening weeks of the campaign while he completes his rehabilitation.
The midfielder has vowed to return stronger and help West Ham respond positively to relegation.
Nuno will not want Souček rushed back before his ankle is ready. However, losing an experienced senior player before the competitive schedule begins adds further urgency to West Ham’s midfield recruitment.
