Nuno Espirito Santo makes ruthless first West Ham selection decision ahead of Everton
Nuno Espirito Santo has decided that James Ward-Prowse will play no part for West Ham against Everton on Monday (29 September).
As Football Insider exclusively revealed, Espirito Santo replaced Graham Potter last week and is now preparing for his first game in charge of the Hammers.
Preparing to take on David Moyes‘ in form Toffees, Espirito Santo could not have picked a tougher start.
Despite the importance of leaving the Hill Dickinson Stadium with at least point, Espirito Santo has opted against including one of West Ham‘s most experienced players.
James Ward-Prowse omitted from West Ham squad to play Everton
Midfielder and set piece master Ward-Prowse has not been included in the West Ham matchday squad to take on Everton, and is now also unlikely to play when the Hammers host Brentford next weekend.
According to journalist Jack Rosser, the former Southampton captain, who is not injured, has not travelled to Merseyside.
The decision not to involve the 30-year-old has come from the new manager, who is tasked with improving West Ham’s abysmal 19th placed position.
Ward-Prowse barely featured under Nuno Espirito Santo
Working under Espirito Santo for a brief spell during the pair’s time together at Nottingham Forest, Ward-Prowse, on loan from West Ham at the time, played 487 minutes in just 10 appearances.
The midfielder failed to score under the Portuguese manager but did register an assist before returning to the London Stadium.
Excluded from Espirito Santo’s first squad is an ominous sign of things to come.
Seemingly out of favour already, Ward-Prowse, whose contract doesn’t expire until 2027, may well be on the market a lot earlier than that.