Opinion: West Ham must keep hold of player after injury setback – it’s now or never for him.

Luis Guilherme has struggled for game time at West Ham, featuring just seven times since his summer arrival.

He made a brief appearance off the bench against Chelsea on 3 February but has yet to establish himself in the squad.

However, he may get one final opportunity in East London after Crysencio Summerville was ruled out for eight weeks (Sean Whetstone).

The 18-year-old has attracted interest from Porto and Feyenoord, with the Dutch transfer window still open (VI).

Yet, his inability to break into the first team despite West Ham investing £25 million in him is concerning.

This is even more surprising given Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug’s injuries, while Jarrod Bowen has only recently returned.

If Guilherme hoped Graham Potter’s appointment would boost his chances after Julen Lopetegui’s sacking, he was mistaken.

Under Potter, he has played just 15 minutes in all competitions, even less than under Lopetegui.

The failure of West Ham’s summer transfers, including Guilherme’s signing, contributed to sporting director Tim Steidten losing his job (Florian Plettenberg).

Yet, with Summerville sidelined, Guilherme now has a crucial opportunity to prove his worth.

West Ham cannot afford to let him leave now. The young Brazilian must seize this unexpected chance and finally justify the club’s investment.