West Ham trio are ‘touch and go’ for Man Utd match as David Moyes rules out summer signing

The West Ham manager was speaking ahead of Thursday’s European matches, but gave an early indication of who may be missing at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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David Moyes has said Craig Dawson, Lucas Paqueta and Maxwell Cornet are all ‘touch and go’ for this weekend’s Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United.

The Hammers travel to Old Trafford on the back of a well-earned 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Monday night, but are in Europa Conference League action on Thursday when they host Danish side Silkeborg.

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A point from their final two group games in the competition would see West Ham finish first, and Moyes implied in Wednesday’s pre-match press conference that he could rotate his side in midweek ahead of the clash with the Red Devils on Sunday.

"We have to think about it. The next game is also the most important and our next game is Silkeborg, but there are also other things we have to keep in mind, in terms of the level of games we have coming up,” said the former United manager.

Asked for more information on team news, Moyes added: “Cornet has had a small setback in training so he’s not available [for Thursday]. Dawson is improving but is not fit enough for the game, and Lucas Paqueta is not available. But hopefully they are not too far away, but really touch and go for Sunday as well."

Paqueta is struggling with a shoulder injury. Credit: Getty.Paqueta is struggling with a shoulder injury. Credit: Getty.
Paqueta is struggling with a shoulder injury. Credit: Getty.

Cornet hasn’t featured since 1 October due to injury, while Dawson has played just 180 minutes in the league this campaign as a result of injury and dropping behind other centre-backs in the pecking order. As for Paqueta, he has missed West Ham’s last two league games with a shoulder injury after beginning to show some encouraging signs following his summer transfer.

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The Brazilian isn’t the only new recruit who has struggled with fitness issues since moving to the London Stadium. Nayef Aguerd joined from Rennes in the summer but hasn’t played since sustaining an injury in a pre-season friendly against Rangers.

Aguerd hasn’t played a competitive game for United yet. Credit: Getty.Aguerd hasn’t played a competitive game for United yet. Credit: Getty.
Aguerd hasn’t played a competitive game for United yet. Credit: Getty.

However, Moyes said he could be in line to face Silkeborg on Thursday, but won’t be rushed back for the clash with Erik ten Hag’s side. “He’s not in contention for Sunday but we’re hoping to have him in the squad tomorrow, one way or another,” said the 59-year-old.

“What will he bring? I don’t want to put too much on him. I want to give him time. But he’s a good reader of the game. He’s quick and he’s good in the air. But because he’s not played any Premier League games, it’s difficult for us to give an overall judgement.

"I don’t think he’s ready for the Premier League games but we’ll see for the European games. He’s keen and he’s a good character. I’ve got to say, we think he’s a really stylish footballer."