West Ham suffer injury blow ahead of Chelsea clash – as Graham Potter provides update on striker search

West Ham boss Graham Potter has been dealt yet another injury blow with playmaker Lucas Paqueta a doubt for the trip to Chelsea.

The Brazilian forward, who has scored twice since Potter’s arrival, picked up a groin problem at the end of the draw against Aston Villa.

Paqueta has been key for Potter during his short reign, utilised as a makeshift striker with a raft of injuries to Hammers attackers Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville.

‘We’re just monitoring and looking after him,’ said Potter. ‘We will have to see. He hasn’t trained so far this week but we’re hopeful that he will train the back end of the week.’

Summerville is also expected to miss the game against Potter’s former club Chelsea with a hamstring injury but Bowen is expected to return from a fractured foot to give the Hammers boss a much-needed boost.

Bowen fractured his foot against Liverpool in December but could feature on Monday night as Potter returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time as a manager since his sacking nearly two years ago.

Lucas Paqueta is a doubt after picking up a groin problem at the end of the draw vs Aston Villa

In better news, Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen is expected to return from a fractured foot 

‘Summerville is very doubtful. It is taking a bit longer than we anticipated,’ added Potter. ‘Jarrod is more positive, obviously a few more days to train. It’s looking hopeful.

‘He’s trained the last two days, so we’ve still got some more training sessions to go. We’re hopeful for him.’

Bowen’s return would be a huge boost for Potter, with the club looking increasingly unlikely to sign a new striker in the January transfer window.

Evan Ferguson remains the most likely option but the Brighton front man, who played under Potter at the Seagulls, is currently out with injury.

Potter insisted once again that panic buying a striker would not solve the club’s problems.

‘The board and the chairman have been fantastic and really supportive,’ added Potter. ‘If anything it’s me. It’s us trying to find the right player.

‘Signing a player in January is easy. There’s so many agents pushing players left, right and centre.

‘Signing the players is no problem but the right one, for the right price and fits how you want to play and fits into the group, that’s the difficult thing and I think as a club we have to be mindful of that.

Evan Ferguson remains the most likely striking option to come in, but he is currently injured

I’ve got to be true to myself, true to the team, and true to the club. It’s got to be the right player.’

Potter heads back to Stamford Bridge for the first time as a manager since his departure there after less than seven months in April 2023.

‘I am looking forward to it, said Potter. ‘I went back there as a pundit, had some good times there, some special nights, against AC Milan and Dortmund in Champions League.

‘I wish them well as a club. I’m thankful for the experience I’m thankful for the time I had there because it’s brought me to this place and I’m happy to be here’.