West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui could turn to back-up goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski after Alphonse Areola was taken off at half-time against Manchester City.
The Polish veteran produced a stunning second-half performance against the reigning Premier League champions before Erling Haaland scored his hat-trick in the final 10 minutes of the 3-1 defeat.
Areola established himself as number one during David Moyes’ last term, but Saturday’s game [31. August] marked the fourth time the Frenchman has been sidelined through injury as Lopetegui faces an anxious wait for his striker.
Fabianski will certainly step in in his absence and could even claim to remain in the Hammers net once Areola returns to the side.
Lukasz Fabianski is West Ham United’s more reliable goalkeeper
It’s becoming a common occurrence for Areola to end up on the therapy table at West Ham, and Lopetegui now faces a difficult decision.
The Irons have enough depth to cover the Frenchman’s absence with Fabianski and summer signing Wes Foderingham both fit and available if called upon.
Lopetegui should decide to select the Polish goalkeeper for the next round of Premier League games after the international break and he could be pleasantly surprised by the decision.
The 39-year-old has extensive experience in the Premier League and Europe and was the undisputed number one in East London for five seasons prior to his last term. Areola will always be the main man when he’s ready, but given how often he isn’t, how much of a good hammer?
With four years at Arsenal under his belt before joining West Ham via Swansea City, there are few goalkeepers left in the English Premier League who have amassed as much experience as Fabianski.
While he may not be at the peak of his powers, he is more than capable of leading the Hammers’ defense for the foreseeable future and Lopetegui could be grateful for his decision to reject approaches for the goalkeeper in the summer.