Medical expert suggests David Moyes plan after Craig Dawson news from West Ham
Craig Dawson may be rested for the Europa Conference League qualifier against Viborg if he features for West Ham against Nottingham Forest on Sunday (14 August).
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis.
Dawson missed the season-opening loss against Man City last Sunday (7 August) with a thigh injury – a problem which limited his action in pre-season.
Speaking to club media prior to the Forest clash (12 August), manager David Moyes revealed the defender is “doing quite well” and suggested a late decision will be made on his involvement.
West Ham face the first of two Europa Conference League qualifying clashes against Danish minnows Viborg on Thursday (18 August).
Dinnery suggested Angelo Ogbonna could feature in that game as he steps up his recovery from a serious knee injury.
“This is something that Dawson has carried over from pre-season,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But it’s certainly not an injury we would expect to be long-term.
“David Moyes will be looking to bring him back as soon as humanly possible, with Zouma the only recognised, experienced centre-back at the moment.
“That Europa Conference League tie against Viborg – no disrespect, but that would be a game you’d fully expect West Ham to win comfortably, even if they’re not at full strength.
“If Craig Dawson is to return this weekend, then I’d suggest Moyes would be looking to leave him out for that European game.
“That’ll keep him fresh for next weekend.
“It could go the other way. If he missed out on Sunday, then he could use that European game to give him some minutes.
“We could also see Ogbonna feature in that game, as he’s been building fitness with the Under-23s.”
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