West Ham United kick off the new Premier League campaign with a clash against defending champions Manchester City at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Having strengthened their squad over the summer, the Hammers will fancy their chances against Pep Guardiola’s side, especially in front of their home supporters.
However, manager Manuel Pellegrini appears to have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the City clash as goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski could miss the game.
The Poland international aggravated a groin problem he sustained early in the pre-season during the warm-up for West Ham’s clash against Hertha Berlin last Wednesday.
According to Football Insider, Fabianski has undergone an MRI scan and is currently being assessed by the medical team.
Pellegrini thinks the City game could come too early for the 34-year-old and might have no choice than to pick one of David Martin and Roberto for the game.
The goalkeeping duo arrived at the London Stadium this summer and one of them will likely face City’s baptism of fire.
Not seeing the reliable Fabianski – who emerged as Hammer of the Year last term – in goal against the Etihad Stadium outfit is a sight many West Ham are scared of.
Here is how some of them reacted to the injury setback on Twitter:
That’s just a low blow
— John groom (@Likemydreams76) August 6, 2019
We are toast.
— Lynne Cannell (@LynneCannell51) August 6, 2019
Reports are that Fabianski is a MAJOR doubt for Saturdays game vs Manchester City.
Fabianski didn’t train today and is unlikely to train tomorrow. He’ll face a race against time to be fit for our first game of the season!
MASSIVE BLOW IF HE DOENST MAKE IT!#PrayForFab #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/rarpLEGmEF
— WHUFC_London ⚒ (@WHUFC_London) August 6, 2019
Fabianski a doubt for Saturday and we start against City. Couldn't ask for a more West Ham start to a season! #COYI ⚒
— Irish Hammer ⚒?? (@HammerIrish) August 6, 2019
Well we were likely going to lose anyway ?
— Daniel Dean (@DanielVDean) August 6, 2019
We’re gonna lose against city regardless so doesn’t matter if fabianski is out
— Jack keeling ⚒ (@91jackjack91) August 6, 2019
if Fabianski is missing saturday ( as being reported this afternoon ) it would be a catastrophe , roberto & martin in truth are not very good , it could be a long afternoon against city who score at least 4 a game against us , Fabianski is that important to us #WHUFC
— Bob Clark (@bobclark56) August 6, 2019
Not great news if Fabianski is not fit especially coming up against Man City. Roberto not really impressed yet in pre season. Going to be an even tougher game. https://t.co/vqCwkPcBhl
— Dom (@coachdom1) August 7, 2019
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
