Moyes admits just one West Ham player is ruled out v Backa Topola

Only Edson Alvarez has been ruled out for West Ham United’s match against Backa Topola, according to David Moyes.
Edson Alvarez is the sole player declared out for West Ham as they prepare to face Backa Topola on Thursday (21 September), according to David Moyes.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of the encounter on Wednesday (20 September) (via Roshane Thomas), the Hammers manager confirmed that the Mexican international will be absent after receiving a red card for Ajax in the competition against Union Berlin in February.

However, the Scot stated that everyone else is “fit and ready to play” against the Serbians, with only the 25-year-old midfielder missing out.

Opportunity

Moyes will be disappointed not to have Alvarez available when West Ham kick off their European campaign on Thursday night at the London Stadium.

But it’s something he’ll have known about for a while, and the fact that he was taken off early in the defeat to Manchester City on Saturday (16 September) will allow him to heal properly.

The Mexican was observed practicing with the Hammers on Wednesday, so he should be able to play against Liverpool on Sunday (24 September) [Football Daily].

The game against Backa Topola will most likely give some of the fringe players a chance to get some much-needed playing time and prove to Moyes that they deserve a spot in the starting lineup.

It is critical that we win against the Serbs if we are to have another good season in Europe this season.