West Ham: Vaz Te Dislocates Shoulder.
By Simon Fitzpatrick 28.10.13
Injury Woes
Ricardo Vaz Te (via Wikipedia)
Ricardo Vaz Te was driven away from the Liberty Stadium in an ambulance on Sunday, following a second shoulder dislocation in as many seasons. West Ham managed to come away with a point, but manager Sam Allardyce will have some concerns now regarding a lack of attacking options. Andy Carroll is also out with ruptured foot tendons, though he should return sooner rather than later.
Cole Offers Hope
Luckily – or presciently – enough, West Ham gave thirty-year-old Carlton Cole a 3 month contract a fortnight ago. Cole failed to find a new club following his departure from the Boleyn Ground in the summer, and his presence in the squad until at least mid-January ought to allow West Ham fans a measure of hope.
Carlton Cole (via Wikipedia)
Vaz Te’s return from his previous shoulder dislocation took 3 months, which is at the lower end of the typical recovery period for such injuries. As he’ll be aware, once a shoulder joint has been dislocated, repeat injuries are common. Surgery can be required if tissues have been damaged, and Vaz Te will be carrying his arm in a sling for a few weeks. He’ll also recall the often painful physiotherapy he’ll have to undergo.
Away Form Improvement
West Ham’s recent away form has been an improvement on the previous season. They’ve drawn with Newcastle, Southampton and Swansea on the road, though all three matches were goalless. A superb 3-0 victory at White Hart Lane was followed by a not wholly surprising 3-1 loss at home to Manchester City.
Allardyce with the West Ham bench (via Wikipedia)
They’ve also lost at home to Stoke and Everton so far, so there’s certainly work to be done at Upton Park; but their ability to grind out points here and there – as well as pull off the occasional surprise victory – may serve them well as the season draws to a close. Fans who fancy a punt on West Ham’s progress can check the latest odds at http://freebets.org/.
Tests To Come
There’s a test for West Ham’s away form on Tuesday night with a trip to Burnley for a Capital One Cup game. That’s followed by Villa at home, then Norwich away in the Premier League. Chelsea will be coming to visit on the 23rd of November.
Andy Carroll (via Wikipedia)
If the Hammers can improve their home game enough to get anything out of that fixture, we’ll know Sam Allardyce is doing something right. Carlton Cole is going to have to work hard while Vaz Te recuperates, but at least Andy Carroll should be back on the pitch before the Chelsea game.
