West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek was missing from the Hammers’ squad against Luton Town in their latest Premier League outing last week.
The Czech suffered a gruesome face injury after colliding with Brighton and Hove Albion’s goalkeeper in his team’s visit to the Amex Stadium on August 26. He was then substituted out in the first half of the game.
It is understood that this injury prevented him from being available for selection against Luton. It was also reported that Soucek suffered a concussion along with his face injury.
“Tomas Soucek is not available from the team who played last week,” said manager David Moyes. “We are covering the Premier League protocols that are set, regarding his concussion.”
This statement from the manager made many observers believe that Soucek’s absence against Luton was purely precautionary. The Premier League practises strict protocols with regard to player safety in case of head injuries and concussions.
From Moyes’ statement, it can be deduced that the club excluded the player from the squad following a head injury due to the protocols, which have been seen in the league on many previous occasions.
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It is likely that the Czech international will return to the Hammers’ squad to face the defending champions in their next league game after the international break.
In his absence though, new signings James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez featured in a midfield partnership, producing a top-drawer display for the Irons. They have both enjoyed a fine start to life in east London.
Ward-Prowse provided the assist for West Ham’s second goal as his side won 2-1 against Luton. He could prove to be a brilliant signing for Moyes as he brings quality, leadership and experience to the squad, having played 343 games in the Premier League already.
After returning from injury, Soucek could find it hard to return straight back into the first team as he will face tough competition from Alvarez and Ward-Prowse, who have both settled in well at the London Stadium.
The 28-year-old has been at the club for three and a half years since initially joining on loan from his boyhood club Slavia Praha in January of 2020. West Ham signed him permanently in the summer of 2020 after he impressed in his loan spell.
West Ham have completed two smart deals to strengthen their midfield with the money they received by selling Rice. This provides more competition for Soucek, who once formed a formidable partnership with the former captain in the heart of the West Ham midfield.
