West Ham United‘s Edson Álvarez featured in their behind-closed-doors friendly against Wycombe Wanderers on Friday and it was his first appearance for more than a month.
Last season, the Mexico international was on loan spell at Fenerbahçe and struggled with form and fitness. This was enough for the Turkish club to not make his stay permanent.
Therefore, the midfielder returned to West Ham, who had dropped to the Championship. On August 8th, Nuno Espírito Santo started the Mexico international in their 3-1 EFL Cup win over Portsmouth.
Since then, the former Nottingham Forest manager has left him out of the squad for 1o consecutive matches.
West Ham situation results in NT omission
The London club were open to getting rid of the former Ajax man in the summer window. He had attracted interest from a few clubs but wasn’t able to secure a move away in the summer window.
New El Tri manager Rafael Márquez left Edson Álvarez out of his list for this international break. He had to stay back at West Ham United, and Nuno Espírito Santo handed the player minutes in the friendly against Wycombe Wanderers.
The 28-year-old came on after the break and Record in Mexico covers his return to West Ham, even though it was a friendly.
Nuno’s decision has excited the Mexican media. They state it ‘confirmed the West Ham manager’s intention to keep him for the remainder of the season, despite his close departure earlier in the summer.’
After the international break, the Hammers will host Queens Park Rangers on October 9th. The expectation, as per Record, is for the player to return to the squad for this clash.
Excitement over West Ham man may be misplaced
On September 17th, Sport Witness covered a report from Mexico explaining that West Ham United are punishing Edson Álvarez for refusing to leave in the summer. Therefore, the manager is not counting on him.
Nuno Espírito Santo handed him minutes yesterday, which has resulted in excitement in his country. There’s also suggestion of the Portuguese coach counting on him in the near future.
However, their expectations may be misplaced as the Championship side may still look to offload him in January. If the midfielder’s situation doesn’t improve, he could also push for a transfer in the winter market.
