Mateus Fernandes picked up an injury as West Ham lost 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The Portuguese midfielder got injured in the 80th minute against Forest, and that meant he could play no further role in the game.
This meant that he became a major doubt for the FA Cup clash against QPR as well as the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
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Fernandes was absent from the matchday squad against QPR, and Nuno Espirito Santo did not issue an assurance that he would be available for the Spurs clash.
Mateus Fernandes expected back for Tottenham game
According to Claret and Hugh’s Sean Whetstone, the 21-year-old is expected to recover in time for the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He did sit out the FA Cup clash, but is expected to be in contention to play their arch rivals in the London derby this weekend.
Whetstone wrote on X: “Mateus Fernandes picked up a small injury against Nottingham Forest and was substituted in the 80th minute.
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“He missed the FA Cup game against QPR but is expected to recover and be available for Spurs away this weekend.”
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Will Nuno Espirito Santo put Fernandes back in the playing eleven?
Nuno Espirito Santo deployed a double pivot and a back three in the game against QPR, but he is expected to move away from that system.
Konstantinos Mavropanos could be out for a while due to an injury, so Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman could play as centre-backs in a back four.
This would mean there is room for another player in the middle of the park, and there is a very good chance that Fernandes is the player Nuno picks.
Given Lucas Paqueta’s uncertain future at West Ham, it makes little to no sense to pick the Brazilian over the £42million summer signing.
How has Fernandes fared at West Ham?
The 21-year-old has hit the ground running since his move to the London Stadium and has been one of West Ham’s best players this season.
He has made 18 Premier League starts this term and has been exceptional in possession, with a pass accuracy of 88.9 per cent. [WhoScored]
Fernandes is also winning 2.6 tackles on average per 90 minutes and has given Nuno a midfielder who is not just good in possession but out of it as well.
Without the Portuguese, the team appears to lack that spark in the middle of the park, and his return gives them a better chance of getting something from the game against Spurs.