Kurt Zouma: These three ‘facts’ could save defender’s West Ham career after update – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham may have considered offloading Kurt Zouma after his controversial off-pitch behaviour.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested there are three factors that mean the defender still has a career with the Irons.
Zouma was slammed from all corners after footage emerged on social media of him kicking his cat last week.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday (18 February), David Moyes confirmed Zouma could face Newcastle on Saturday.
He missed the draw against Leicester through illness.
With the defender still under scrutiny for his controversial behaviour, Moyes insisted he just wants the France international to focus on his “training” and “performances”.
Whelan suggested a lack of other options, the fact Zouma is a new signing and the club’s league position mean he was not cast out at the London Stadium.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Kurt Zouma has put the club and manager in this position with his behaviour.
“I’m sure if they had more strength in depth in that area, he wouldn’t be playing at all. Also, the fact he’s such a new signing at the club.
“He’d probably be looked at being shipped out of the club.
“But I think the fact of where they are in the league right now and the fact that he’s a new signing to the club (meant otherwise). He’s an important player to the team and to David Moyes.”
Zouma has played 15 times for West Ham to date.
He controversially started against Watford last week, just hours after the controversial footage emerged.
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims “sneaky six” have just sealed a “key victory” over Newcastle United.