An explanation for the absence of Ben Johnson from West Ham United’s matchday squad to face Everton on Sunday has been provided.

With Vladimir Coufal still working his way back towards full fitness, it was widely predicted that youngster Johnson, on the back of a solid stretch of form prior to the international break, would be afforded his latest chance to impress this afternoon.

It therefore came as nothing short of a shock when, upon David Moyes’ matchday squad being unveiled, the 22-year-old was nowhere to be seen:

Speaking to the media on the back of the action coming to a close at the London Stadium, Moyes was therefore inevitably asked for an insight into Johnson’s situation.

And West Ham’s boss went on to reveal that his young full-back is struggling with an ongoing hamstring problem, albeit one which the club ‘don’t think is bad’:

Bowen back amongst the goals

Johnson’s omission on Sunday, of course, made little difference when it came to West Ham’s efforts to return to winning ways.

This came as a Man of the Match display on the part of the returning Jarrod Bowen ultimately guided the Irons to a 2-1 triumph, in the process pushing them back clear of Manchester United into 6th in the Premier League table.

 

Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United live streaming: Watch Premier League online

Latest Photos stemming from Arsenal’s training ground hint at double boost before Crystal Palace