West Ham hopes of qualifying for Champions League dealt ‘serious blow’ after Kurt Zouma update – Phillips
Kurt Zouma’s injury is “a serious blow” to West Ham hopes of winning the Europa League or finishing in the top four.
That is the view of 2000 European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 27-year-old’s absence.
Zouma was forced off after 29 minutes of West Ham’s 2-0 defeat at the Brentford Community Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking after the game, David Moyes revealed the centre-half twisted his ankle in the first half.
As confirmed by club media (12 April), Zouma will miss Thursday’s Europa League quarter final second leg against Lyon.
The Hammers travel to France after drawing the first leg 1-1 at the London Stadium.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his reaction to the update, Phillips said: “It’s a serious blow to their hopes in Europe.
“You don’t want to lose one of your best players at this stage of the season. Zouma has certainly been one of their best defenders.
“He brings authority to that backline. He’s been excellent. Let’s hope he can recover quicker than first feared because they need him.
“He will get the best medical attention so hopefully he’s only out for a short period, no longer than 10 days or two weeks. You don’t want to miss him for a crucial run of games like this if you’re West Ham.”
Zouma moved to the London Stadium from Chelsea last August.
He has made 27 appearances across all competitions this season.
In other news, a pundit has claimed the signing of Jesse Lingard signing could lead to big-name exit from West Ham.