Masuaku injury opens door for Cresswell’s last opportunity

West Ham’s weakest position this season has been left-back, as Arthur Masuaku has looked shaky in defense. Ironically, Aaron Cresswell has looked so poor in his few opportunities he hasn’t even been in consideration, until now. With a Masuaku injury, Cresswell has a lifeline on the starting XI.

News first – Arthur Masuaku has picked up a minor ankle injury in his time on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ever-reliable Sam Inkersole broke the news and did describe the injury as “very minor” despite Masuaku pulling out of international duty to return back to London.

West Ham seems to have these injuries come at convenient times if you will, as exemplified with Mark Noble’s back injury earlier this season. Noble and West Ham were struggling to look like a competent Premier League side, let alone one with top-six aspirations, but once the skipper missed the Arsenal and Wimbledon matches it was clear the team needed his direction and leadership, regardless of their poor performances with him in the lineup.

Similarly, Pellegrini is under pressure to drop Masuaku after a poor performance against Brighton and as if by magic, he picks up a knock.

Cresswell should enter this game, though, regardless of Masuaku’s injury. Cresswell is supposedly a better defender and West Ham will need that defensive stoutness against Tottenham and their dangerous forward line.

Cresswell played well against Macclesfield town, earning a beautiful assist on Lucas Perez’s volleyed goal. He knows how to whip in dangerous balls into the opposition’s box, and can also chip in on corner kicks and set pieces.

The debate between Masuaku and Cresswell usually revolves around offense vs. defense, but I don’t think this is the case anymore. Masuaku has proven he can pass well and intermingle with Felipe Anderson down the left side, however, he hasn’t registered an assist this year and has only sent 11 crosses into the box.

Masuaku has played himself out of the lineup and it’s time for Cresswell to step up. He hasn’t been the same since his injury but he needs to find a way to be effective despite his physical limitations. The team is playing well, a quiet night for Cresswell would be a good one.