Major setback as two of West Ham’s top players could miss the Everton clash

West Ham face a critical match against Everton, with manager Julen Lopetegui’s future on the line.

A defeat could see Everton leapfrog West Ham in the Premier League table, placing the Hammers in an increasingly precarious position.

Several reports suggest that West Ham’s owners may part ways with Lopetegui if he fails to secure a victory.

Lopetegui’s lineup will be hindered by suspensions and injuries, adding to the pressure. Key players, Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez, are suspended for the Everton clash.

Additionally, the manager confirmed in a pre-match press conference that striker Niclas Fullkrug remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

Concerns have also emerged around star defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who may not be fully fit for the game.

Todibo’s situation remains uncertain. Ahead of last week’s game, he had barely trained but was eventually deemed fit to play against Nottingham Forest.

Unfortunately, this decision proved costly as Todibo struggled on the pitch, being partially responsible for two of Forest’s goals.

It has since been revealed that Todibo continues to face fitness challenges and has not participated in training ahead of the Everton match.

His form and fitness are concerning, as he has admitted difficulties in achieving peak condition.

Adding to Lopetegui’s worries, captain and leading attacker Jarrod Bowen is also doubtful for the match.

Bowen, like Todibo, has missed training sessions in the lead-up to this crucial fixture.

Lopetegui mentioned “one or two doubts” over unnamed players during his press conference, further fueling speculation that both Bowen and Todibo could miss out.

For Lopetegui, the absence of these players would be a severe blow, potentially jeopardizing his team’s chances of securing a win.

Bowen’s potential absence is particularly troubling for West Ham.

As team captain and a central figure in their attacking lineup, he brings much-needed energy and dynamism to the team.

Without him, the Hammers may struggle to pose a significant threat, especially given their existing issues with pace and athleticism.

Bowen’s influence is pivotal, and his absence would leave a noticeable gap in West Ham’s offensive strategy.

If Todibo and Bowen are indeed ruled out, West Ham’s lineup would likely be reshuffled, with replacements potentially including Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos in defense.

While Mavropanos is known for his defensive abilities, he is prone to errors, and Kilman’s performance has not been as consistent when partnered with the Greek defender.

The midfield would be expected to step up, though it has struggled recently with mobility and pace.

Tomas Soucek remains the most reliable presence in this area, but Carlos Soler and Lucas Paqueta would need to elevate their game.

Should both Todibo and Bowen be unavailable, West Ham’s probable starting XI could feature Fabianski in goal, a backline of Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, and Emerson, with Soucek, Rodriguez, Soler, and Paqueta in midfield, and Summerville and Antonio leading the attack.

This lineup may not inspire confidence, and Everton’s manager Sean Dyche would likely view it as an opportunity for his team to capitalize.

Lopetegui will also need to make tactical adjustments, potentially deciding whether to play Crysencio Summerville in his preferred left-wing position or shift him to the right.

In such a critical match, these tactical nuances could make all the difference.

Ultimately, the stakes are high for West Ham and Lopetegui, as a loss could lead to significant changes within the club.

For Lopetegui, this game represents a final opportunity to prove his capability and avoid a potential managerial dismissal.

With so much on the line, the pressure to secure all three points against Everton has never been greater.