‘Felt something’: Mark Warburton now says West Ham are checking on the fitness of £50k-a-week defender

Thu 8 December 2022 8:45, UK

West Ham United returned to action on Tuesday night against Cambridge United in Greg Taylor’s testimonial match.

The Hammers recorded a 4-2 win as a mixture of first-team and under-21 players took to the field.

West Ham looked good for their win as Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma and youngster Pierre Ekwah found the back of the net.

David Moyes’ side face a tougher test on Saturday when they travel to Serie A side Udinese.

Their mid-season break concludes with a trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.

Moyes would have been happy with the result and performance, but slightly worried about a number of fitness concerns.

Midfielder Tomas Soucek missed the trip with a back injury, while Maxwel Cornet also missed out.

West Ham are also checking on Aaron Cresswell, after he lasted just 15 minutes.

Emerson Palmieri was on hand to replace him in the first-half, but it’s far from the ideal start to preparations for Cresswell.

West Ham checking on Cresswell’s fitness

“Cressy felt something at the back of his hamstring and we’re just making sure everything is OK.”

has been one of Moyes’ most consistent performers.

Palmieri was signed in the summer from Chelsea but has struggled for minutes behind Cresswell.

The 32-year-old, who earned three England caps, has more than 250 Hammers appearances.

He’s only missed one league game this season, and has primarily been used on the left, despite also being comfortable at centre-back.

, but they’ve never kept him out of action for long.

West Ham are struggling this season, and Cresswell has yet to have a goal involvement this campaign.

West Ham will be hoping nothing serious crops up after checking on Cresswell’s injury.