Football fans rarely agree on most things, however one fact they can all accept is that West Ham has awful luck when it comes to injuries.
It would seem that the footballing gods will just not allow the Hammers to have a full compliment of players to pick from, with Luis Boa Morte the latest claret-and-blue casualty. Whether it is new signings getting injured, in-form players sitting on the treatment table or those who have been biding their time for a chance, it would seem no one is safe from this constant threat. They have seen good strikers, midfielders and central defenders missing for extended periods and only really the goalkeeper Robert Green has stayed free from the jinx, at least so far.
Over the past few seasons West Ham could easily have been forgiven for feeling up against it as at times they have had to endure entire campaigns without some of their more seasoned performers. Even those wanting to endear themselves to the fans have had no choice but to battle injuries in order to do so. There is a long list of players who have spent lengthy spells on the treatment table and this includes the likes of:
1. Nigel Quashie who spent 18 months out with a broken leg
2. Kieron Dyer who also had a broken leg
3. Danny Gabbidon who spent 18 months out
4. Scott Parker on signing spent three months out through injury
5. Dean Ashton spent a year out with ankle injury 2006/07 and has featured infrequently for the Hammers ever since.
6. Matthew Upson injured 30 minutes into his debut then 11 minutes on his comeback from injury.
7. Julian Faubert spent six months out with injury
It makes hard reading for all West Ham fans and could bring a tear to the eye of those who hold the club close to their heart, all of these players when fit either slot straight into the first XI or come very close. It shows that West Ham have got a hugely talented squad with a good mix of both young and experienced players. Some of the players mentioned above have since moved forward after long recoveries and there may be some light at the end of the tunnel after all. However, Boa Morte has seemingly reawakened the curse for the Hammers after he recently suffered a freak knee injury whilst playing against Tottenham in the Asia trophy in China.
The injury has been classified as anterior cruciate ligament damage to the right knee, this is an injury which keeps even the fittest players out for no less than six months. We have to factor in Boa Morte’s age and so at 31, if the injury is worse than normal it could spell the end of his career. Hopefully this is not the last time the Hammers get to see the player pull the famous claret and blue shirt.
