Sakho and Downing doubtful, says Allardyce

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 20th November 2014

West Ham's international duo of Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing are both doubtful for this weekend's trip to Everton after returning from international duty with injuries.

As revealed here on KUMB last night, Sakho pulled out of Senegal's 3-0 win over Botswana after sustaining a back strain. Meanwhile Downing, who played 45 minutes for England in the 3-1 friendly win against Scotland has also returned with a knock.

That, says Allardyce, could mean West Ham are without both for the trip to Goodison Park this weekend. "It's a problem every manager faces after international duty," bemoaned the Hammers boss at his pre-match press conference this morning.

"We'll be looking at him [Sakho] today and make a decision soon. Stewart Downing came off at half time with a knee problem as well so we have to monitor that one. They're both two players that have been in top form for us. Sakho's goals and Downing's performances are two of the reasons why we're fourth at the moment.

"We need to be very careful with both players because we don't want to take any risks with their long term fitness. If they play on Saturday and aggravate the injury they could be out for two or three weeks which would mean missing five or six games and we can't afford that. We have a hard enough task as it is and a tough run of games coming."

However one man's misfortune is another's good news - and Allardyce revealed that should he be needed, Andy Carroll, who made his return to the first team against Aston Villa the weekend before last is ready to step up to the plate.

"I wouldn't say he's 100 per cent match fit but he is ready to start," confirmed Big Sam. "He's raring to go, as is Carlton Cole, so we've got very good options up front. We don't have much time to work together for Saturday but that's the situation we're in, same as Everton. We'll work on a few things today and tomorrow and then make a decision."

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