West Ham suffer major injury blow as captain and top scorer Jarrod Bowen suffers fractured foot in latest setback for Julen Lopetegui’s side
- Bowen was forced off in the second half of West Ham’s 5–0 defeat to Liverpool
- The West Ham captain is their top scorer and has provided the most assists this season
- LISTEN NOW: It all starts! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism is gone at Old Trafford
West Ham are hopeful that captain Jarrod Bowen can return to action within two months after the striker suffered a broken foot against Liverpool.
The Hammers have confirmed that their captain will face a spell on the sidelines due to the injury he suffered during the 5-0 defeat to Arne Slot’s men and Mail Sport understands that medics estimate an absence of around four to six weeks .
A final decision on his availability will be made at a later date as the fracture heals, but there is optimism he could be fit to play in February.
The news is a major blow for West Ham and head coach Julen Lopetegui, who is fighting to keep his job.
Bowen, the club’s leading goalscorer this season with six goals, is vital for the Hammers but will now miss crucial games against Manchester City, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at the very least.
He will also miss the FA Cup third round against Villa on January 10.
West Ham have announced that captain Jarrod Bowen has suffered a broken foot against Liverpool
Bowen had initially continued playing after sustaining the injury, before coming off in the 60th minute
The loss of Bowen will be a major blow to Julen Lopetegui’s underperforming side
“Unfortunately, I suffered a broken bone in my foot in the first half of our match on Sunday,” Bowen wrote on Instagram.
As always, I tried to fight on and play until I physically couldn’t do it anymore.
‘Injuries are common in football, but I’m already looking forward to getting back to work as soon as possible. See you all soon.’
Bowen’s injury leaves West Ham without another attacking option, with Michail Antonio already ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a broken leg.
Antonio was released from hospital on Tuesday, 24 days after the 34-year-old was pulled from his £260,000 Ferrari following a horrific car crash.
Antonio, West Ham’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League, is out of contract this summer and no decision has yet been made on a possible extension.
However, it is believed that discussions will take place in the near future.