'Fantastic' West Ham linchpin doubt for Bournemouth as Soucek gets international punishment - round-up

West Ham return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to out of sorts AFC Bournemouth as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to pick up where he left off and make it three wins on the bounce.

The Cherries went out of the blocks flying at the start of the campaign but have stuttered in recent weeks, with back to back defeats to Manchester City and Aston Villa on an aggregate scoreline of 7-1.

Despite recent form, West Ham still languish in the relegation zone after a dismal start to the season. Nuno is tasked with climbing and staying out of that bottom three, but may have to cope this weekend without two key stars.

West Ham handed double fitness concern ahead of AFC Bournemouth clash

In his pre-match press conference, Nuno admitted that he is unsure whether Konstantios Mavropanos and Freddie Potts will be fit enough for the trip to the Vitality Stadium. He said: "They are recovering and getting better. We have a session tomorrow so we will decide then."

The Hammers have been without Mavropanos since the 2-0 defeat to Brentford and it is perhaps the potential absence of Potts that comes as a more serious blow. The academy product has been purring in recent weeks with Nuno praising him after an instrumental performance in the 3-1 win over Newcastle United.

After that game, the West Ham manager said: “He played really good. I think he played really good. I think he did a fantastic match. He was balanced. Almost all his actions were accurate. And I think he did what the team need at that moment.”

“But he played one game. Freddie played one game. Ok he played 100 games in the championship. That’s what has made Freddie and he is a good option for us. But we are to improve all the players and Freddie has so much talent.”

Tomas Soucek stripped of Czech Republic captaincy

Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek saw his international break end in a nightmare as he will be temporary stripped of his Czech Republic captaincy. The nation, who had confirmed their second place in Group L, beat Gibraltar 6-0 on Monday night but controversy came after the players appeared to thank the fans.

The Czech fans had been critical of the side’s performance in recent months and the Czech Football Association has now apologised after the players did not show their thanks. The international stars are now set to not receive their usual financial bonuses, which will instead go to charity.

As a statement, Soucek is also set to lose his captaincy for the next game, which is a World Cup Play-off in March. A statement from the Czech FA read: “Unfortunately, the players’ attitude completely overshadowed the performance on the pitch and the positive fact of the national team’s advancement to the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup.

“None of the players stand above the country they have the honour of representing, and none of the players are more than a fan who dedicates their resources, time, and energy to supporting the Czech national team.

“At the same time, fans have every right to express their disagreement with the unsatisfactory performances in recent matches. The players’ reaction should have been the opposite. They should have thanked the active fans. Not only for yesterday’s support, but also for their long-term and tireless support throughout the entire qualifying cycle after a series of unconvincing performances.

“The FAČR Football Association also decided that Tomas Soucek will not lead the team as captain in the next match and the players will not be paid bonuses related to yesterday’s qualifying match. These funds will be donated to help those in need. On behalf of the entire football association, we thank everyone who cheers for us and supports Czech football.”

In other news, 'Offensive Avalanche': West Ham star must reproduce international form v Bournemouth and Liverpool - opinion.