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

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Player: Manuel Lanzini

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

Position: Attacking Midfield

Previous Role

A fan favourite to the very foundation level. Lanzini was a popular figure for his personality and his ability on the pitch. Someone who could glide across the pitch with the ball and unlock defences almost at will on his day, but always played attractive football with a smile on his face. He was in Argentina’s World Cup squad when he picked up the serious injury, and it will always be an opportunity missed for the attacking midfielder.

Expected Return Date: Unknown, January rumour

Role on Return

Firstly we must be careful not to agitate the injury. When Lanzini picked up the injury there were pictures of crying teammates on the Argentina bus and rumours of him never being able to play football again. This was a serious injury, even on a scale of cruciate ligament injuries. We must be incredibly careful with him, he’s a precious player and we have to be realistic that he won’t come back at full pace.

dark. Next. Fulham are there for the taking

Lanzini is capable of turning a game on its head and with the abundance of attacking players the side currently has he could be free to wreak havoc on Premier League defences. His ability to turn defence into attack would be incredibly useful now, and I think he’d fit Pellegrini’s game plan perfectly. If he’s anywhere near the player he was before the injury, he will find a place in the first XI. But we have to be prepared to wait for him, and accept that he may not fully recover.