Where will West Ham's injury list fit back into the squad upon return?

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West Ham have a number of key players currently out injured. With the good form of the team, where can we expect these players to return to in the squad?

When you have a team in your head then have to change it due to injury, it’s never great. West Ham are constantly having to chop and change due to persistent injury issues in recent seasons, and usually it impacts upon the form of the side and the way we play. With 9 goals in 3 games and our best striker injured, things are beginning to change.

However it’s a fair question to ask how we will be fitting those players in when they return. If we continue on our winning ways do the previously un-droppable players make it back in? Or do they have to work their way back through spells on the bench and in the reserves? (All return dates are from physioroom.com)

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Marko Arnautovic of West Ham United reacts after conceding a penalty during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Cardiff City at London Stadium on December 04, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Player: Marko Arnautovic

Position: Striker

Previous Role

Arnautovic, since his switch to a striker under Moyes, has been the Hammers’ main source of goals and the focus of the attacks. His good form and general all round ability has seen him be the target of many transfer rumours connecting him to higher clubs. If you’d asked most West Ham fans which player they would least like to be injured for any period of time, least of all the Christmas period, Arnautovic would have been very high on that list, if not No.1.

Expected Return Date: January 2nd

Role on Return

It’s very hard to see Arnie doing anything apart from being our No.1 striker when he’s back to full fitness. Like most injuries I expect he will be on the bench for a bit just to build up match fitness and make sure he’s 100% before charging in game after game and making sure every defender hates him again.

It would take something special from probably 2 of Perez, Chicharito and Carroll to not install Arnie back up front as the main man. Chicharito is showing he can be a solid option, and Carroll is a good plan B. Perez needs to find his role in the squad but I can’t see Arnie not being the No.1 man when fully fit. However stranger things have happened, and who doesn’t love the big man little man combination up front?

Where will West Ham’s injury list fit back into the squad upon return?

By Scott Johnson | Dec 12, 2018