West Ham face being without centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos for upcoming Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland after the defender suffered a serious injury in the FA Cup meeting with QPR on Sunday afternoon.
The 28-year-old has played himself into Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting XI in recent weeks, getting a full 90 minutes against Wolves and Nottingham Forest. Mavropanos was also named in the XI to take on QPR with the West Ham boss opting for three centre-backs - Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo also starting.
However, Mavropanos was forced out of the cup tie shortly before half time following a collision in the QPR box. The defender had gone up for West Ham to attack a corner and his head collided with a QPR defender’s knee during the action.
West Ham defender stretchered off against QPR
The match was paused for an extended period of time to allow Mavropanos to receive medical attention. The Greek international was eventually hoisted onto a stretcher and taken off the pitch on a buggy.
Both sets of fans showed their support for the player after what looked to be a serious head injury. The severity of the blow remains to be known but FA protocols stipulate a mandated time away from football for a head injury.
Mavropanos is set to miss out against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next weekend. West Ham then host Sunderland on January 24, in just two week’s time.
The defender’s absence comes as a blow for Nuno, who often opts for three centre-backs on the pitch. West Ham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, with 43 conceded so far this term, and that won’t be helped by the injury blow.
It’s set to be the second period of matches that Mavropanos will miss this season. The defender was also unavailable against Leeds United, Newcastle United, Burnley and AFC Bournemouth in October and November.
Mavropanos confronts West Ham form
That period on the sidelines came due to a torn thigh muscle, picked up in the 2-0 defeat to Brentford. West Ham did win two of the fixtures without Mavropanos but let in seven goals across those matches.
West Ham paid a reported £17 million to sign Mavropanos from VfB Stuttgart in 2023 and he has gone on to make 83 appearances for the club. Speaking about his side’s recent form to the West Ham club website last week, Mavropanos said: “First of all, we want to apologise to our fans because they are week-in, week-out supporting us and trying to give us some energy,. They don't deserve this. It was just unacceptable, especially the first half. We just have to work harder.
“After the game we were frustrated and disappointed, but we have to realise the situation we are in and work harder in training and in games. It's important because there is only one way to solve the situation and it's up to us.”
In other news, 'In Talks': West Ham star makes squad to take on QPR hours after transfer negotiations emerge.