Andriy Yarmolenko tipped for ‘massive’ role after West Ham injury update – pundit
Andriy Yarmolenko’s recent form is the only “silver lining” for West Ham after Jarrod Bowen’s injury, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 32-year-old’s European experience could be “massive” for David Moyes’ side.
Yarmolenko, who has scored 19 career goals in European competitions, has notched two goals in his last three substitute appearances for West Ham.
According to The Athletic (21 March), Bowen’s injury is “worse than first feared” – with the forward suffering a fractured bone in his foot.
The report claims the Hammers’ star man now faces a “race against time” to be fit for their crucial Europa League tie against Lyon next month.
Whelan conceded the Ukraine international will not be a “like-for-like” replacement for Bowen.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “The silver lining for West Ham will be that Andriy Yarmolenko has been in a rich vein of form recently.
“He can come in on that flank and replace Jarrod Bowen. His experience could be massive in these European games.
“But it’s not a like-for-like replacement in terms of quality, we all know that.
“Bowen’s work rate and quality can’t be replicated in that position. But Moyes will have to make do with what he’s got.”
West Ham face a potential semi-final clash against Barcelona or Eintracht Frankfurt if they can overcome Lyon across two legs.
The first leg at the London Stadium takes place on 7 April.
Moyes’ side then travel to Stade des Lumières a week later.
West Ham slipped to seventh in the Premier League after losing 3-1 away at Tottenham.
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