West Ham face a selection headache against Liverpool with five players absent, leaving their midfield significantly weakened.

Liverpool head to West Ham with confidence, especially after receiving positive squad news.

As reported by Hammers News, West Ham faces a setback as Lopetegui confirmed that five players will be unavailable for their match against Liverpool.

Max Kilman suffered an unusual shoulder injury with no clear cause, forcing him to be substituted. In-form goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski made a crucial save to keep West Ham in the game, but moments later, play was stopped for seven minutes after Fabianski took a blow to the head. He was stretchered off, and Lopetegui later confirmed that Fabianski had suffered a concussion.

West Ham fans were puzzled when midfielder Carlos Soler was substituted at half-time. Lopetegui revealed that Soler has a concerning knee issue that will likely rule him out of the Liverpool game due to the quick turnaround. Additionally, central midfielders Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will be suspended for the match after both received yellow cards.

This leaves Lopetegui with significant selection challenges, especially in midfield, which has been heavily impacted by injuries and suspensions. While the return of Lucas Paqueta from suspension offers some relief, it does little to ease the manager’s other concerns.

Liverpool also have their own injury issues, but the potential return of Federico Chiesa to regular action provides some hope. Following their Carabao Cup clash, where former Wolves manager Lopetegui was frustrated by decisions against his side, West Ham will be seeking revenge. However, Liverpool fans hope that their team can maintain the strong form that has kept them at the top of the league.