To be fair, last season we had the same small squad and at times we were also bemoaning injuries BUT - by the end of the season, when other teams were falling away we were on a great run, all fit, and shot up to 9th.
I remember MC bemoaning how many first team players we had fit and sitting in the stands. I think it was something like 7.
There is a lot of benefit having a smallish squad if you are a mid-table Prem team. If we were in the Champions League then I am sure this would change.
Plenty of our players have been injured in league games. Just hope we get some points on the board from now until when they return
The counter response is that the smaller squad means everybody gets to play, and play a significant number of games per season. Injuries are catered for by the extra seven players and opportunities for the better u23s. The positives include developing a very tight knit squad who play for the team and for each other. As everyone plays, you don't have prima donnas moping about the training pitch and bringing morale down. What it doesn't facilitate is bringing new faces & signings outside of pre season.
The intensive training and required fitness levels coupled with the Premiership being very demanding & difficult league in itself.
Add to that the intensity with which we usually play → from start to finish ( it's not like we can take the foot off the gas during games and see the game out).
There's only one way we play and that's usually going at full pelt.
The small squad also makes that we have to rely on the same limited bunch of players, with very little time to rest up, + at least 5 or 6 of our mainstays are also often called-up by their countries too.
Somewhat victims of our own succes!?
When results go your way, it's somewhat easier to forget you're tired, you forget about the bruises and pain.
@Daniel2 probably has a lot to do with a short preseason as well as half the squad being involved in the Euro's and a more intense international schedule this season..
It is the training regimen that needs to change, players are being pushed to their physical limits. As this produces so many injury's it just backfires. It cannot all be just bad luck.
5 strikers injured, (Patrick, Tyler, Rodrigo, Joffy, Greenwood) 3 CBs injured (Cooper, Struijk, Creswell), a DCM injured (KP), A RB,/CM injured (Baby Shacks) a LB that is 50/50 for the game v Spammers on Sunday
2 out after knocks in training caused by other players, 1 maybe out with concussion but basically 8 out with muscular injuries.
We need to operate with a far bigger squad. At least 5 proper first team players needed. We cannot rely on kids stepping up.
Cooper, Dallas, Luke, Klich, Rodrigo, Forshaw all the wrong side of 30 so probably have 2 seasons left at best. Bringing it more players will not stop the best U23s from getting in, it may just slow down heir progress, which is not a bad thing.
Teenagers cannot be expected to compete with guys 5-10 years older than them who are fully matured, stronger, fitter and far more experienced. Maybe 20 years ago that was OK but the Prem has moved on so much since then.
Bogus.
Yup, will not be back until October/November at the earliest.
Bugger that’s done him for a season
More bad news from Spain.
Bogusz has picked a very serious injury, done his acl.
To be fair, last season we had the same small squad and at times we were also bemoaning injuries BUT - by the end of the season, when other teams were falling away we were on a great run, all fit, and shot up to 9th.
Agree Smurf
I remember MC bemoaning how many first team players we had fit and sitting in the stands. I think it was something like 7.
There is a lot of benefit having a smallish squad if you are a mid-table Prem team. If we were in the Champions League then I am sure this would change.
Plenty of our players have been injured in league games. Just hope we get some points on the board from now until when they return
The counter response is that the smaller squad means everybody gets to play, and play a significant number of games per season. Injuries are catered for by the extra seven players and opportunities for the better u23s. The positives include developing a very tight knit squad who play for the team and for each other. As everyone plays, you don't have prima donnas moping about the training pitch and bringing morale down. What it doesn't facilitate is bringing new faces & signings outside of pre season.
Think it's a number of things coming together.
The intensive training and required fitness levels coupled with the Premiership being very demanding & difficult league in itself.
Add to that the intensity with which we usually play → from start to finish ( it's not like we can take the foot off the gas during games and see the game out).
There's only one way we play and that's usually going at full pelt.
The small squad also makes that we have to rely on the same limited bunch of players, with very little time to rest up, + at least 5 or 6 of our mainstays are also often called-up by their countries too.
Somewhat victims of our own succes!?
When results go your way, it's somewhat easier to forget you're tired, you forget about the bruises and pain.
But eventually it catches up with you.
Is the post match treatments and meal correct?
Are the players ice bathing and getting their daily rubdowns/massage?
Is it because the players sleeping enough?
Or is it all of the above?
Firpo not suspended, it is just Llorente out for that reason.
Firpo has already served his 1 game ban for picking up 5 yellows.
Hope MB goes for a back 4 of Ayling, Koch, Hjelde and Firpo v Spammers with Forshaw and Dallas ahead of them.
Rafa has to start but not sure of the rest apart from Meslier in goal.
Adam Pope and the YEP seem to think Firpo will be fit for West Ham again?
I thought he was maybe suspended.... I know Llorente is but hope we'll play Koch and Hjelde rather than move Ayling back in.
Strujik may even be back....
Firpo won't be OK. He's suspended BB
Rumours Patrick and Rodrigo will be fit to return v Spammers this weekend.
Maybe a half each?
Firpo should be OK too.
It is the training regimen that needs to change, players are being pushed to their physical limits. As this produces so many injury's it just backfires. It cannot all be just bad luck.
5 strikers injured, (Patrick, Tyler, Rodrigo, Joffy, Greenwood) 3 CBs injured (Cooper, Struijk, Creswell), a DCM injured (KP), A RB,/CM injured (Baby Shacks) a LB that is 50/50 for the game v Spammers on Sunday
2 out after knocks in training caused by other players, 1 maybe out with concussion but basically 8 out with muscular injuries.
We need to operate with a far bigger squad. At least 5 proper first team players needed. We cannot rely on kids stepping up.
Cooper, Dallas, Luke, Klich, Rodrigo, Forshaw all the wrong side of 30 so probably have 2 seasons left at best. Bringing it more players will not stop the best U23s from getting in, it may just slow down heir progress, which is not a bad thing.
Teenagers cannot be expected to compete with guys 5-10 years older than them who are fully matured, stronger, fitter and far more experienced. Maybe 20 years ago that was OK but the Prem has moved on so much since then.
Greenwood injured.
Good job we signed Mateo Joseph
Joffy and Tyler out for 3/4 weeks.
At least Patrick is back!
It's Greenwood's turn.
It's
Joffrey out 3 weeks ankle injury