---
title: "How Nuno can replace Mohamadou Kanté for West Ham’s QPR clash"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/09/20/how-nuno-replaces-mohamadou-kante-west-ham-qpr/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-09-20T07:31:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-20T07:31:00Z"
---

# How Nuno can replace Mohamadou Kanté for West Ham’s QPR clash

Nuno Espírito Santo has almost three weeks to solve a fresh West Ham United midfield problem before Queens Park Rangers visit London Stadium.

Mohamadou Kanté will miss the Championship fixture after his straight red card during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Millwall.

The midfielder had transformed the derby after coming off the bench at half-time, scoring West Ham’s first goal before Konstantinos Mavropanos completed the comeback.

Kanté was then dismissed in the 89th minute after bringing down Kyrell Lisbie as the Millwall forward broke towards goal.

Our [breakdown of Kanté’s dismissal and suspension](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/19/mohamadou-kante-red-card-millwall-suspension/) explains why Nuno will now be without him against QPR.

## Magassa offers Nuno natural solution

Soungoutou Magassa appears the clearest alternative if Nuno wants another physical midfield option available against QPR.

The 22-year-old was named among the substitutes at The Den but remained unused.

Crucially, Nuno had already praised Magassa before the derby.

Speaking through the [official West Ham website](https://www.whufc.com/en/news/talking-points-or-nuno-on-embracing-millwall-derby-encouraging-form-and-pablos-influence), the head coach said the midfielder was working well and showing commitment in training, adding that it was now up to the coaching staff to determine what was best for the team.

Kanté’s suspension could move that decision forward.

## Engels and Mukasa can remain central

Nuno does not necessarily need to redesign his starting midfield.

Arne Engels and Divine Mukasa both started against Millwall, with [Sky Sports’ confirmed teamsheet](https://www.skysports.com/football/millwall-vs-west-ham-united/teams/560587) showing Kanté initially among the substitutes.

That means his absence is more damaging to Nuno’s depth than his first XI.

Engels has already established himself as an important creative presence since arriving from Celtic. West Ham’s [official player profile](https://www.whufc.com/en/teams/mens-team/arne-engels) credits him with two assists since his August move.

Mukasa also offers greater attacking freedom alongside him.

Nuno could therefore retain that partnership and use Magassa as the midfield reinforcement Kanté provided at Millwall.

## Souček return could change picture

Tomáš Souček provides another possibility if his recovery continues during the international break.

Nuno confirmed before the Millwall game that Souček was “getting better” following his injury, although he was not ready to feature at The Den.

The [official West Ham team-news update](https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-veltman-to-miss-millwall-derby) left the door open for his return after the break.

West Ham do not face QPR until **Friday 9 October at 8pm**, a date confirmed by the [club’s revised Championship fixture schedule](https://www.whufc.com/en/news/six-more-2026-27-efl-championship-fixtures-moved).

That recovery window gives Nuno options.

Kanté’s impact at Millwall showed exactly what West Ham will be missing, but the squad should contain enough midfield depth to prevent one suspension becoming a major problem.