West Ham United have suffered an early injury blow with Pablo Felipe a doubt for Saturday’s Championship clash against Charlton Athletic.
The Brazilian was replaced by James Ward-Prowse at half-time during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Burnley, with the reason for Nuno Espírito Santo’s change now becoming clearer.
Roshane Thomas reports that Pablo sustained a calf injury during the first half at Turf Moor and is now considered doubtful for West Ham’s first home Championship match of the season.
The Hammers host Charlton at London Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they search for their first league victory following the dramatic opening-weekend draw.
Pablo Felipe injury gives Nuno fresh West Ham concern
Losing Pablo would reduce Nuno’s attacking options at precisely the moment West Ham are attempting to strengthen that area of the squad.
The 22-year-old has already endured one spell on the sidelines with a calf problem this year. West Ham confirmed in February that Pablo was recovering from a calf injury which ultimately kept him out for five matches.
He returned to action against Brentford in the FA Cup in March. There is currently no indication that the problem suffered at Burnley is connected to that previous injury, so West Ham will hope the latest setback proves less significant.
The timing nevertheless adds another layer to Nuno’s attacking rebuild.
Joel Piroe is closing in on a move from Leeds United after West Ham accelerated negotiations for the Championship-proven striker. Nuno had already publicly called for additional attacking options after the Burnley draw.
Saturday’s fixture against Charlton is West Ham’s first home Championship match of the season, with the London derby kicking off at 3pm.
Nuno should provide a clearer assessment of Pablo’s condition before the weekend.
For now, however, another injury concern has given West Ham even more reason to complete their attacking business quickly.
