West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is wary that some of his players are more ready than others heading into Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa, but is hopeful all eight of the club’s new signings will be available for selection.
Like Villa, the Hammers have been very busy in the window having spent around £124m so far. Aaron Wan-Bissaka became their latest arrival after Jean-Claire Todibo, Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez.
“Fortunately we don’t have bad news about the injuries,” Lopetegui said in his press conference. “We have to be aware about the kind of preparations some players have had – some are ready more than others, because of international involvement and other things – and we’ll have more information on Friday.
Tomorrow we will make the last decision about the line-up. Some are more ready than others, so it’s up to us to make the right decisions.”
Asked about Wan-Bissaka, Lopetegui said: “He has played in pre-season with Manchester United, so we will see. It’s true that he’s only been here a short while, so we will see tomorrow, as we will with all of the new players.
“We are happy with Aaron, and all of the new signings are going to help improve our team. To have more competition in positions is important, and Aaron will add a lot of things to our team. He’s very happy to be here. He is a good age, with good experience, and he is happy.”
Villa are winless in their last nine Premier League away games against West Ham, since a 2-1 victory at Upton Park in April 2011. They have also lost their opening Premier League match in each of the last three seasons, conceding 10 goals in these games.