Of all the problems facing Graham Potter and West Ham United right now – Chelsea to come on Friday with that Sunderland debacle still stinging – injuries are not one of them.
The Hammers will host Enzo Maresca’s Club World Cup champions at the London Stadium with an almost clean bill of health.
Almost.
Graham Potter confirmed before that 3-0 disaster on Wearside that Crysencio Summerville is making progress following a serious hamstring injury which has kept the £30 million signing from Leeds stuck on the sidelines since January.
Hammers News have already reported that Summerville could make his West Ham return in September.
Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Niclas Fullkrug and the rest of Potter’s first picks will be ready to go again when Chelsea make the short trip across the capital on Friday. And George Earthy may also be part of a Premier League matchday squad for the first time since May 2024.
The news surrounding Luis Guilherme, however, was less positive.
Graham Potter provides Luis Guilherme and George Earthy updates for West Ham United
Luis Guilherme was a shock absentee at Sunderland. The baby-faced Brazilian had enjoyed an impressive pre-season but was nowhere to be seen on the opening weekend of the top-flight campaign.
One week later, Potter finally clears up any confusion surrounding Guilherme’s absence while providing an update on Earthy’s attempted return from a knee ligament issue which wrecked his pre-season plans.
“George Earthy trained with the group today,” Potter begins. “Luis Guilherme went over on his shoulder the week before the game so he’s still missing.
“But, apart from that, everyone is OK.”
To think, Potter was planning to hand Earthy his chance during the summer tour.
The West Ham boss watched on eagerly as Earthy claimed Bristol City’s Young Player of the Year award during his successful loan spell at Ashton Gate.
A silky, technically gifted midfielder – David Moyes once likened Earthy to David Silva – the England Under-21 international could yet prove very well-suited to the attacking midfield role in Potter’s 3-4-2-1 system, allowing Lucas Paqueta to pull the strings from a deeper role.
At his own press conference meanwhile, Enzo Maresca ruled out six Chelsea players while predicting a ‘tough’ test away at a local rival.
Guilherme and Earthy hope to establish himself as West Ham this season
As for a certain £25 million man, Luis Guilherme is willing to fulfil wing-back duties if required with Potter’s chosen formation not really allowing space for a natural wideman.
“I hope I can play some great games throughout the season. I’m very happy with the opportunity the coach is giving me. I’m getting better and better, feeling better and better on the field,” Guilherme said after catching the eye at left-wing-back off the bench during the 2-1 win over Everton in Chicago.
“Once again, I hope I can help the team in some way. For me, [wing-back] is a position I like. Wherever the coach wants me to play, I’ll be available.
“For me, there’s no such thing as the position I want to fill. I want to be helping the team in some way.”
It remains to be seen, meanwhile, if Potter views the aforementioned Summerville as a potential wing-back option. The 2024 Championship Player of the Year broke the 20-goal barrier as a traditional left-winger at Elland Road. A position which does not currently exist in Potter’s set-up.
Jim Hampsheir, the club’s long-serving Senior Academy Integration Officer, also believes George Earthy will make a big impression at West Ham once Guilherme’s fellow youngster is back to full fitness.
“Little George was like a Rolls Royce on the pitch, and he hasn’t changed! From day one, the way he plays, he’s full of energy and has a great attitude,” recalls Hampsheir, having watched Earthy rise through the ranks.
“He can receive, pass, read the game, track back… He hasn’t changed at all!
“He’s a great player and a great lad. Hopefully he can be a great player for West Ham for many years to come.
