Edson Alvarez sends emotional message as ACL injury confirmed away from West Ham
Graham Potter has several injury issues to contend with as he prepares for a first full season in charge of West Ham United.
West Ham didn't pull up any trees across Potter's first five months in charge at the London Stadium and picked up just five wins in 19 matches, which included a run of eight consecutive draws and losses.
Potter has so far been without the Irons' first-choice striker Michail Antonio after the Jamaican's career-threatening car accident, and Evan Ferguson failed to make an impact after his loan move from Brighton.
Crysencio Summerville also arrived as one of several big-money signings by West Ham last summer, but he too hasn't featured under Potter in the Premier League after a series of hamstring injury setbacks.
Alvarez tells team-mate to 'come back stronger' after injury news
Although Potter saw several of his first-team options consigned to the treatment room last season, West Ham also suffered from several key men being completely out of form, none more so than Alvarez.
The former Ajax midfielder's second season in East London proved to be a significant downgrade on his first, and two separate dismissals for second yellow cards has led to calls for West Ham to sell Alvarez.
International duty with Mexico at the Gold Cup has given a Alvarez a chance to re-rail his form, but this has also seen setbacks and the 27-year-old paid tribute after team-mate Luis Chavez tore his ACL.
Posting a lengthy message on his Instagram story (27 June), Alvarez said: "Little brother, remember that everything that happens in our life has a reason.
"I admire you a lot and I know you're ready, and you'll come back much stronger. We love you. All of us are with you."
Alvarez uncertainty forces West Ham to wait on transfers
Football Insider Verdict
West Ham shelled out over £125million on Summerville and several other big names last summer, but a 14th-placed Premier League finish and the threat of a PSR breach has now enforced a change of tack.
Potter is instead looking to pull off more reasonably-priced transfers such as Adama Bojang from Reims, with the uncertainty over players like Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus dominating West Ham's strategy.
Kudus remains West Ham's most sellable asset by far after he also had disappointing second season at the London Stadium, but it remains to be seen if the Irons will sanction a transfer before making additions of their own.