In the last hour several sources are reporting that Kevin Nolan’s shoulder injury is worse than feared and that he will be out for around two months. The injury curse that has afflicted Upton Park for some time now shows no sign of being lifted.
I have little doubt that some people will greet this news as a silver lining, but I am not sure they should be so pleased. Whatever his faults, Nolan delivers goals from midfield and has done so consistently throughout his career. I thought he had a decent game against Spurs as well.
However, having said that I think that after Zarate’s performance yesterday there would have been a revolution if Nolan were to return in place of Zarate next weekend. We are well served in midfield at the moment and have plenty of cover, and it’s not often you can say that about West Ham. Apart from Zarate we also have Ravel Morrison and Mo Diame who can fit into that role.
CARLTON’S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
In other news Carlton Cole is reportedly interesting Bournemouth who are said to be weighing up a £1 million bid. Although we have quite a few strikers on our books at the moment, and he will inevitably drop down the pecking order, I wonder whether he would really be interested in dropping down to play for a club which is unlikely ever to seriously challenge for promotion to the Premier League. I suppose stranger things have happened. But I for one would be sad to see him go.