West Ham were fortunate enough to have a full squad to pick from for their Monday Night Football televised encounter with Crystal Palace. At this late stage in the season many teams – such as rivals Tottenham – are struggling with long term injuries to key players.
Former West Ham winger (and whinger) Mohammed Kudus’ of course, being a prime example of a significant injury which can drag down a team without sufficient squad depth.
For once, not playing in Europe has its advantages for Nuno’s squad
The Hammers are reaping the only upside of not playing Thursday / Sunday European football. Fatigue is not an issue having played ‘just’ 38 games this season compared with Tottenham’s 47 and Nottingham Forest’s 49.
Nottingham Forest however have just received what could be a telling blow having just welcomed back one of their own long term injuries. Chris Woods is now retired to the playing squad after several months out with a knee in jury.: The tricky trees will have to complete their season without Callum. Hudson Odoi.
According to sportwitness.co.uk:
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Callum Hudson Odoi will miss the remainder of the season
The club said they expect the 25-year-old to return to full training during pre-season, meaning he has been ruled out for the rest of the season and the remainder of the relegation run-in.
Which could yet prove important in the deciding five games. Forest hold an important but not yet unscalable three point advantage over West Ham, but will struggle without Hudson Odoi who has been a mainstay of their attack this season.