West Ham -Baas Graham Potter is another injury to playmaker Lucas Paqueta received a doubt for the trip to Chelsea.
The Brazilian attacker, who has scored twice since Potter's arrival, took a groin problem at the end of the draw against Aston Villa.
Paqueta has been the key for Potter during his short regime, used as an improvised striker with a series of injuries for attackers Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug, Mikhail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville.
“We just keep up and take care of him,” said Potter. “We'll have to see. He has not trained this week so far, but we hope he will train the back of the week. '
Summerville is also expected to miss the match against Potter's former club Chelsea with a hamstring injury, but Bowen is expected to return from a broken foot to give the Hammers boss a much needed boost.
Bowen broke his foot against Liverpool in December, but was able to act as Potter on Monday evening for the first time as a manager return to Stamford Bridge since his looting almost two years ago.
“Summerville is very doubtful. It takes a little longer than we had expected, “Potter added. 'Jarrod is more positive, of course a few days to train. It looks hopeful.
'He has trained for the past two days, so we have some more training sessions to go. We are hopeful for him. '
The return of Bowen would be a huge boost for Potter, where the club looks increasingly unlikely to sign a new striker in the transfer window of January.
Evan Ferguson remains the most likely option, but the frontman of Brighton, who played under Potter with the Seagulls, is currently out of injury.
Potter was once again stated that panic that a striker would not solve the club's problems.
“The board and the chairman are fantastic and really supportive,” Potter added. “If there is something, it's me. We try to find the right player.
'Signing a player in January is simple. There are so many agents who push players on the left, right and center.
'Signing the players is not a problem, but the right, for the right price and fits how you want to play and fit in the group, that's the difficult thing and I think we as a club should take that into account.
I have to be faithful to myself, faithful to the team and faithful to the club. It must be the right player. '
Potter goes back to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his departure there after less than seven months in April 2023.
“I'm looking forward to it, Potter said. 'I went back there as an expert, had some good times there, some special nights, against AC Milan and Dortmund in Champions League.
'I wish them the best as a club. I am grateful for the experience I am grateful for the time I had there because it brought me to this place and I am happy to be here '.
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