West Ham struggling with defensive crisis
West Ham’s high flying start to the season is threatening to unravel amid injury woes and a lack of squad depth at the top of the pitch, which could force the club to act in January.
While a backup striker is important, defensive issues have played a massive role in their drop in form.
First, against Liverpool, the Hammers lost Angelo Ogbonna for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, which saw him substituted at half-time.
We can confirm that Angelo Ogbonna sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Sunday’s match against Liverpool.
We’re all with you on your road to recovery, @OgbonnaOfficial ⚒
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 9, 2021
Then, in their recent win over Chelsea, Kurt Zouma picked up a hamstring injury that has ruled him out for most of the rest of the season.
We can confirm that Kurt Zouma sustained a hamstring tendon injury during Saturday’s win over Chelsea.
Ben Johnson has also started his rehabilitation after suffering a low-grade hamstring strain.
Best of luck with your recoveries, Ben & @KurtZouma! 👊⚒
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 7, 2021
Clearly, the Hammers need reinforcements.
And now, they might just have found one.
Defender identified
Ahead of the January window opening, Lloyd Kelly is the latest man linked with a move to the London Stadium.
The Bournemouth defender has been a mainstay in the Cherries’ side this season, but could he make the leap?
According to The Telegraph’s Matt Law:
David Moyes has identified Lloyd Kelly as the man to ease West Ham United’s defensive injury crisis, but the Premier League club face a battle to persuade Championship promotion chasers Bournemouth to sell in January.
West Ham interested in Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly #whufc https://t.co/G0cBTKzhCW
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) December 26, 2021
Should the club not be able to land their man, however, it offers an insight into the player type that Moyes is after:
Moyes is believed to favour trying to sign a central defender who is comfortable on his left foot if possible and 23-year-old Kelly falls into that category.
No price is mentioned in the report.
Would Lloyd Kelly be a sound acquisition for the Hammers, or should they be hunting for Premier League experience if possible?
