Julen Lopetegui has hinted that West Ham could look at the transfer market this month following the news of injuries to Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.
West Ham are set to be without their record Premier League goalscorer Antonio for a considerable amount of time after he suffered a broken leg in a car crash.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Bowen had suffered a fractured foot during their 5-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Antonio was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve but will be out for the rest of the season. Lopetegui remained coy on Bowen’s injury insisting it ‘won’t be a few days’ – though reports have claimed it could be up to six weeks.
West Ham Transfer News: Lopetegui Insists Hammers Are Working On Plans
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has insisted West Ham are ‘working’ on transfer plans amid the news that Jarrod Bowen has joined Michail Antonio on the sidelines.
Antonio’s broken leg and Bowen’s fractured foot have led to the Hammers weighing up whether to bring in reinforcements.
“It is true that we have these two important losses [Bowen and Antonio],” he said. “The club knows our needs and are working about [on] that.
“We have to be focused in preparing for the next match against Manchester City. Despite for sure the club is going to be working.”
West Ham would be keen to bring in some attacking reinforcements. Antonio is the club’s record scorer in the Premier League, while Bowen is their top scorer this season.
Mohammed Kudus has netted three goals in the league this term while summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has only netted once.
Lopetegui’s side are 13th in the standings – eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Antonio And Bowen Updates
Ahead of Julen Lopetegui’s admission that West Ham could make a transfer this month, Michail Antonio was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve.
Shortly after, he posted an emotional statement on Instagram including a photo of him standing up with the help of crutches.
He said: “I want to take a moment to acknowledge something I’ve come to realise. I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed.
“I’ve seen close friends pass away, witnessed others face near-death experiences, and even then, I didn’t fully grasp just how precious life is.
“What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters.
“I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and allowing me to still be here.”
Bowen suffered his injury during the loss to Liverpool after a challenge by Alexis Mac Allister. He suffered the injury in the first-half but limped on until the 60th minute.
Sky Sports have reported that Bowen could be out for six months.
