Potter reveals why West Ham’s £116m duo were omitted, but doubts remain.

West Ham manager Graham Potter had previously stated that the only injury concern ahead of their clash with Wolves was Crysencio Summerville.

However, when the official lineup was revealed, fans were shocked to see key players Mohammed Kudus and Jean-Clair Todibo left out.

Kudus, linked with an £84m move to Al-Nassr, and Todibo, a £32m signing, were notable omissions, as was Tomas Soucek, a crucial contributor this season.

Many supporters initially believed the lineup announcement was an April Fool’s joke.

Speculation quickly spread regarding the absence of Kudus and Todibo, particularly as Todibo was still named on the bench, while the much-criticized Konstantinos Mavropanos started in his place.

Theories emerged that Kudus might have been unsettled by the Saudi transfer rumors, while Todibo’s situation raised further questions.

The French defender, who has struggled for consistent starts, has been linked again with Manchester United after UEFA blocked a summer move due to INEOS’s ownership of Nice and part-ownership of United.

Despite his talent, Todibo’s debut season at West Ham has been underwhelming.

Potter later explained on West Ham’s website that both players suffered injuries in training the day before the match, requiring last-minute adjustments.

Their absence was keenly felt, with Mavropanos at fault for the only goal in West Ham’s 1-0 defeat, while Evan Ferguson squandered a golden opportunity to put them ahead.

However, doubts remain over Potter’s explanation, particularly regarding Todibo.

If he was fit enough for the bench, why wasn’t he fit enough to start, especially after weeks of rebuilding his fitness? Prior to the game, Todibo had publicly stated he felt fully fit and ready.

The situation raises concerns about Todibo’s long-term fitness.

West Ham is yet to finalize his £32m transfer, which becomes permanent this summer after meeting a five-start Premier League clause.

Club owner David Sullivan recently admitted the deal had financially impacted West Ham, and these recurring injuries might explain his frustration.

Kudus’ injury could also see him miss the Bournemouth match, compounding West Ham’s woes.

Fans remain skeptical, questioning whether something more is going on behind the scenes.