West Ham dealt serious £13m injury concern ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool clashes

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui admitted that he was worried about an injury picked up by full-back Emerson in the draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Brazilian, who signed for the club from Chelsea for £13 million in 2022, needed treatment on his knee during the second half of the Premier League fixture and returned to the field of play determined to finish the match. Emerson could be seen grimacing as he struggled to shake off the knock and was replaced by Vladimir Coufal moments later.

After his sub, summer signing and former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka moved over to left back but any lay-off for Emerson would come as a blow for the Hammers with the only other out-and-out left back, Aaron Cresswell, also sidelined with an injury.

Speaking about the player, who had been linked with a move to Turkish side Galatasaray this week, Lopetegui said: "He has one big block in his knee. We have to evaluate tomorrow. Right now he has pain and let's see. I hope it's not important but we'll see."

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West Ham are next in action in another London derby next weekend, facing Chelsea at the London Stadium, before travelling to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on September 25. Lopetegui will be desperate to have the defender fit for those clashes.

Speaking after the game, Lopetegui also had praise for goalscorer Danny Ings and admitted the former Burnley and Liverpool man almost left the club in the summer. He said: "I think it's a good example, Danny Ings in the summer was more or less a doubt but he stayed and worked very hard despite not playing. He's a good example for us. The season has a lot of moments and a lot of matches so all of them have to play.

"Danny is always ready. I'm happy for him. He talked about leaving as a possibility but he stayed and is working well. He is one good example for the rest of his mates."