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David Moyes' 'worst fear' has come true at West Ham after double development - expert
Noel Whelan has claimed injuries to West Ham duo Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca will have been the “worst fear” for under-pressure boss David Moyes.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Irons don’t have a “like-for-like” replacement for the duo.
Antonio missed West Ham’s 1-1 friendly draw against Fulham on 17 December with a thigh problem – while Scamacca limped off early in the first half with an ankle injury.
Jarrod Bowen moved from the wing to spearhead the Irons’ attack in the pair’s absence and would be expected to do the same if they are still missing for the clash against league leaders Arsenal on Boxing Day.
West Ham sit 16th in the Premier League table – just one point above the drop zone.
Neither Antonio or Scamacca have been able to string together a consistent run of starts or goals this term – with the pair both sitting on two Premier League goals.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “These are two big players who bring so much to their team.
“They hold up the play, they bring others in, create chances. They pose a real danger when the ball comes into the box, as well. They haven’t got a like-for-like replacement for that.
“Things aren’t going well for David Moyes as it is, and this will have been his worst fear.
“It’s another obstacle for him to contend with.
“He’ll be rushing around before Boxing Day to try and get one of them in the right shape to play.
“They’re two players who can win games, and that’s something they haven’t done enough this season.”
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