West Ham United have received mixed injury news ahead of tonight’s Championship trip to Bolton Wanderers, with Pablo now in contention to return but Taty Castellanos highly unlikely to start.
The latest information also provides a clearer timeline for Tomáš Souček, who has returned to light training as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Pablo could return for West Ham against Bolton
Pablo missed Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Derby County after reporting discomfort in his calf shortly before the game.
However, the Brazilian’s absence appears to have been largely precautionary.
According to The West Ham Way’s latest injury update, ExWHUEmployee reports that West Ham’s medical staff decided it was sensible not to risk Pablo against Derby, with the forward now potentially available for the trip to Bolton.
That would represent a timely boost for Nuno Espírito Santo during a demanding run of Championship fixtures.
Pablo started and impressed during the 4-2 victory over Wolves before missing Derby. His possible return would give Nuno another attacking option alongside Joël Piroe, who has started West Ham’s previous two matches.
Our West Ham predicted XI against Bolton will now need to account for the Brazilian potentially returning to the squad.
Taty Castellanos highly unlikely to start at Bolton
The news surrounding Castellanos is less positive.
The Argentina international was forced off during the second half against Derby after feeling his hamstring.
The problem is not currently thought to be serious, but the latest report says Castellanos is highly unlikely to start against Bolton as West Ham attempt to manage his fitness through a congested schedule.
That represents a significant change from the position immediately after Saturday’s victory, when Nuno was still waiting to discover the extent of the problem.
Castellanos had started alongside Piroe against Derby and played an important role in the opening goal, heading Jarrod Bowen’s delivery back across the area before Piroe converted.
His likely absence could force Nuno to reshape the attack.
Piroe is the obvious candidate to lead the line, while Divine Mukasa can play further forward. Edvin Austbø also strengthened his case for greater involvement after scoring and assisting from the bench against Derby.
Rotation is particularly important during the period examined in our look at West Ham’s brutal fixture schedule.
Tomáš Souček given clearer West Ham return target
There is also encouraging progress for Souček.
The midfielder is now understood to be back in light training, with West Ham still viewing the Championship meeting with Millwall on 19 September as a realistic target for his return to the squad.
Souček has been unavailable since suffering ankle ligament damage, leaving Nuno without one of his most experienced midfield options.
West Ham do not need to rush his return given the emergence of Arne Engels and Divine Mukasa, but getting Souček back would strengthen the squad considerably as the Championship schedule intensifies.
The Hammers face Bolton tonight before quickly turning their attention to Wrexham at London Stadium on Friday, as shown in our continually updated West Ham fixtures and results guide.
For Bolton, the immediate picture therefore looks clearer: Pablo has a chance of returning, while Castellanos is unlikely to start.
That should have a direct impact on Nuno’s team selection at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
