Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Wed 18 February 2026 16:00, UK

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Nuno Espirito Santo has a major headache on his hands after the news that West Ham could be without Pablo for several weeks.

While the Brazilian has yet to register a single goal contribution since arriving, he has made a positive impression with the fans due to his work rate, tenacity and non-stop running.

Another injury is the last thing that West Ham needed in a relegation dogfight, with Nuno‘s side sitting three points inside the dropzone ahead of a home game with Bournemouth on Saturday, 21 February.

With Liverpool and Man City also on the horizon, the Hammers absolutely need three points against the Cherries, but their narrow win over Burton Albion in the FA Cup will not have filled the boss with confidence.

• Read more: Burton Albion were “robbed” by a refereeing decision vs West Ham.

Nuno Espirito Santo must fill the vacant spot left by Pablo

According to The Athletic (18 February), Pablo could be sidelined for up to six weeks, which would see him miss a lot of action at the London Stadium and away from it.

Against Burton, Nuno played with a midfield duo of Mohamadou Kante and Soungoutou Magassa, with three forwards in front, rather than an attacking midfielder in the middle of the pitch.

During the 1-1 draw with Man United, though, Tomas Soucek was trusted with the creative role, with Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts behind him at the base of the midfield.

With Pablo sidelined and Potts now unavailable following his red card at the Pirelli Stadium, Nuno has a tricky job of finding a suitable lineup to face a team vying for a European spot.

• Read more: This is what I noticed about Keiber Lamadrid on debut in the FA Cup.

Callum Wilson experiment could continue vs Bournemouth

It is difficult to see any other backline than El Hadji Malick Diouf, Axel Disasi, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, all in front of Mads Hermansen in between the sticks.

The midfield is where it gets tricky, however.

Fernandes simply cannot be dropped, and if Tomas Soucek is moved into a deeper role, it would not be a huge surprise to see Callum Wilson starring in the attacking midfield or second striker role.

Then, with the usual front three of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Taty Castellanos, the Hammers should have every chance of securing an important three points at the London Stadium.

It must be taken into account that the Cherries are unbeaten in seven games across all competitions, so the team must be at its very best to walk away with anything other than a defeat.

To read more expert analysis on West Ham and Pablo, head to West Ham Zone for all the latest