West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen is set to miss around six weeks after sustaining a fractured foot during the Premier League clash against Liverpool, Sky Sports News understands. The injury occurred in the first half, though the 28-year-old attempted to continue playing before being substituted in the 60th minute.
A Major Blow for West Ham
Bowen’s absence is a significant setback for manager Julen Lopetegui, who is under pressure to turn around the Hammers’ fortunes. Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League with six wins from 19 games, West Ham find themselves eight points above the relegation zone.
Bowen has been pivotal for the team this season, leading as both top scorer with five Premier League goals and top assist provider with four. Lopetegui acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Jarrod is one of our main players and our captain. Now it’s the moment for other players to step up and show they are ready to help us.”
Recovery and Replacements
The timeline for Bowen’s recovery remains uncertain, with Lopetegui refusing to give a definitive return date. “We have to see how he develops in the next weeks. His character will help him recover quickly, but he will miss the upcoming matches,” said the West Ham boss.
In Bowen’s absence, Tomas Soucek is expected to take over as captain, starting with Saturday’s daunting trip to Manchester City. Lopetegui emphasized his belief in the squad’s depth, adding, “This is an opportunity for other players to make their mark.”
Positive News Amid Challenges
There was some uplifting news for West Ham this week as Michail Antonio was discharged from the hospital following surgery on a broken leg sustained in a car accident. While Antonio faces a lengthy rehabilitation, his return home has boosted team morale.
“Michail is going to be out for a long time, but it’s good news that he’s at home with his family. We’ll support him in his recovery,” Lopetegui said.
Upcoming Fixtures
Bowen’s injury leaves West Ham short-handed for critical matches, including their showdown against Manchester City. Fans and the team will hope for a swift recovery for their captain while counting on the squad’s resilience to navigate this challenging period.
