West Ham Injury Concern Over Pivotal Striker

Rumours are emerging that West Ham could be without star striker Gianluca Scamacca once the World Cup is over. How will the Hammers fare in his absence and what does a Scamacca-less West Ham even look like?

Ben Dinnery, Premier League injury expert continues to monitor the status of West Ham marquee striker Gianluca Scamacca after a muscular injury has cropped up for the somewhat struggling center-forward.

There are a few very visible issues with this West Ham team right now, none quite as prevalent as the goal-scoring woes restricting this team from climbing up the table. Scamacca, who has only netted twice in 13 Premier League appearances, would be greatly missed should an injury keep him out past Christmas Day.

Injury concern is a potential team stresser for David Moyes as West Ham prepare for the second half of the season.

Sure, his numbers haven’t been great, but David Moyes’ team has hardly been running on all cylinders. Jarrod Bowen has been confusingly less effective, Said Benrahma is lacking playing time despite his best efforts, and the general creativity of the team has been absent.

A potent finisher up close or from range (historically speaking…), Scamacca simply needs service and opportunities. Moyes’ fast-break counter-attacking style doesn’t really seem to fit Scamacca’s playstyle, certainly when that is plan A with no plan B to speak of.

Two options would remain for West Ham should Scamacca be ruled out of any Premier League matches. First is the old reliable deployment of Michail Antonio. The powerhouse has been used sparingly this season in the Prem but has the physicality, pace, and chemistry with his teammates to be a superb one-for-one striker swap out.

The second option is dependent on his own return from injury, and that would be slotting in barely-seen newcomer Maxwell Cornet. The Ivorian winger turned utility player contributed five assists in Europa Conference League play this season, and while a natural winger, his versatility could see him used up top if need be.

Last season at Burnley Cornet scored nine Premier League goals and did play as a striker in Sean Dyche’s ever-present 4-4-2 formation on 12 occasions. With Said Benrahma playing well on the left this season, waiting for an opportunity based on a favourable position doesn’t make sense, especially when factoring in an injury to the team.

There are stop-gap options for David Moyes should Gianluca Scamacca miss time after the World Cup, but let’s hope the team is back to its best and ready to leap up the table with all players fit and ready to contribute.