West Ham handed devastating injury blow ahead of Aston Villa and Fulham

West Ham have been handed a devastating injury blow heading into the New Year with confirmation that star man Jarrod Bowen fractured his foot in Sunday’s Premier League meeting against Liverpool.

The Hammers were beaten 5-0 by Arne Slot’s side but it seems that the scoreline may only be the start of worries left after that drumming at the London Stadium. Bowen limped off in the 60th minute of that game and was replaced by Crysencio Summerville.

That problem came as a result of a challenge from Liverpool midfielder Alexis MacAllister. Bowen has five goals and four assists in the Premier League so far this term and has started every league match of the season for the club.

Jarrod Bowen injury confirmed by West Ham

The England international’s versatility and reliability have been key for Lopetegui as his West Ham side struggles for consistency. However, the London outfit will have to make do without their captain for a number of weeks. A statement on the West Ham website confirmed the injury on Tuesday but no timeframe was given to the recovery.

It read: “West Ham United can confirm Jarrod Bowen sustained a fractured foot injury in Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool.

“The injury to his left foot, picked up in the first half at London Stadium, will sideline the Hammers captain heading into the New Year.”

It appeared likely that Bowen would miss out of the upcoming trip to Manchester City on Saturday but now the winger looks set to miss more than just the visit to the Champions. West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday, January 10 before welcoming London rivals Fulham to the London Stadium on Tuesday, January 14.

There are then matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa before the end of January. It would be a surprise to see Bowen return for any of those fixtures given the severity of the foot injury.

Lopetegui praise for future club ‘legend’

West Ham manager Lopetegui remains under pressure with the heavy defeat to Liverpool quickly erasing any positivity from a four game unbeaten run in the Premier League. The Hammers have won just six of their opening 19 fixtures this season with questions over the Spanish coach’s future.

Speaking about Bowen in October, Lopetegui was full of praise for the attacker, who joined West Ham from Hull in 2020. He said: “I am sure that he is going to become a legend in the Club I am sure. But now he has to work a lot and he has to do his way because he is [still] young. But he has the profile, perfect profile. He loves the Club. He has quality as a player. He has good behaviour, big commitment. And now he is trying to learn the work of a captain. Because it is a different work.

“A captain has to help the team and his mates to develop his work. And to become a strong team about the character and the personality. And for sure Jarrod is ready to do this.”