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Missing the entire season would push Reid closer to West Ham exit door

Sam Preston

Wed 6 February 2019 18:15, UK

West Ham United defender Winston Reid is not expected to make his return from injury before the end of the current season,

Reid has been for the better part of a year after an injury suffered against Swansea City but his prognosis is not good with his return pencilled in for the start of next season.

And while at one point in his Hammers career, Reid was an automatic pick, the prospect of him not playing throughout an entire season when they have come along so much under Manuel Pellegrini could well make him surplus to requirements.

Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena have both impressed at times this season, while Angelo Ogbonna offers experienced cover at centre-half.

And while Reid could well force himself back into contention if he can get himself fit, that’s a big ask for a 30-year-old who looks set to miss around 18 months of football.

New leaders such as Declan Rice are emerging, West Ham are moving towards a more attractive style than the one Reid has experienced for much of his time in east London and that all points to a scenario where Reid could be moved on during the summer.

And it would be tough to argue with that decision after West Ham have successfully established themselves in mid-table without Reid.