Green Street Hammers
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Injuries could mean a change of plans for Reece Oxford and Jordan Hugill

By Scott Johnson

SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 26: Winston Reid (L) of West Ham United is congratulated by Andy Carroll after scoring his team's second goal with a header during the Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - DECEMBER 26: Winston Reid (L) of West Ham United is congratulated by Andy Carroll after scoring his team's second goal with a header during the Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at Liberty Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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West Ham’s pre-season training camp has been hit by 2 fairly serious injuries. Whilst not a huge surprise, they may change the club’s plans.

If you had to put money on two players getting injured in pre-season, it would be Reid and Carroll. So there was no surprise when West Ham announced that the two would be out for at least three months. Reid had complicated an existing injury and Carroll had more ‘discomfort’ in his ankle. To be honest I’m amazed it’s ever comfortable for him given how much surgery he’s had.

But that could mean opportunities for Jordan Hugill and Reece Oxford. Both were expected to be moving away from the club this summer, but could see themselves as more central to Pellegrini’s plans than before.

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

Oxford

Before he was lauded as the future captain of West Ham and England. The supposed next Bobby Moore. However a run of average form, supposed attitude issues and sparse success on loan moves away have left many wondering if he will get close to his potential.

An injury to Reid leaves Ogbonna, Diop and Rice as the only centrebacks in the squad. Given that Rice is expected to be played in defensive midfield by Pellegrini that leaves only 2 centrebacks in the squad. Not exactly what we’re after. Especially given this club’s tendency for injuries.

So, until another centreback is found I would be very surprised to see Oxford leave the club. He’s still got the talent, and maybe a change of manager is what he needed. Could we see the young defender find his feet at last?

Hugill

Signed in January the former Preston man has spent most of his time on the bench. As such he was widely expected to leave the club in the transfer window, even if Chicharito decided he wanted to leave as well. Now Carroll is out, Hugill is the only target man at the club.

Pellegrini likes to have options available to him, and will not want to be without a plan B. Given that Carroll was most likely that plan B, or maybe C, Hugill’s move is likely to be on hold until a forward replacement is found. Any proposed move to Leeds can no longer be completed if Pellegrini wants a balanced squad.

Next: What next for Declan Rice?

Obviously, if this was mid-season, you would expect the squad to cope without much issue. But the fact it’s happened in pre-season means that the club would be very foolish to leave a potential hole in the squad gaping with all the season left to play.