Did Nuno Espirito Santo drop a timely hint regarding the involvement of George Earthy, Airidas Golambeckis and Callum Marshall in his West Ham United plans over the Christmas period?
The Hammers boss certainly stopped short of confirming whether the academy trio would be part of his matchday squad for the clash with Fulham on December 27th.
But, at the same time, Nuno Espirito Santo did indicate that opportunities may present themselves for a handful of fringe players and youngsters.
Nuno is without Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf due to their African Cup of Nations contributions, after all. Wan-Bissaka and Diouf could miss seven Premier League matches during AFCON, including Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester City.
George Earthy certainly is the best young prospect at West Ham. What more does he need to do for Nuno to give him game time?
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The former played the full 90 minutes as DR Congo kicked off their tournament with a 1-0 victory over Benin on Tuesday. Diouf was suspended for Senegal’s 3-0 thrashing of Botswana, meanwhile, but will return for their next group stage match.
Ollie Scarles may be a doubt for Fulham, meanwhile, after he was forced off with a knock last time out. Niclas Fullkrug arrived in Italy for his medical at AC Milan today.
So does this mean there will be a spot in the matchday squad for George Earthy, Airidas Golambeckis and Callum Marshall?
Nuno Espirito Santo could call up George Earthy when West Ham United host Fulham
While Mohamadou Kante and Ezra Mayers have both made first-team outings of late – the West Ham faithful were impressed by the latter’s cameo display at the Etihad – Marshall, Earthy and Golambeckis have played only 58 minutes between them.
Nuno confirmed during his press conference that all three will be available for West Ham’s Under-21s in the National League Cup clash with Aldershot Town on Tuesday night.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
He also indicated that a few first-team absentees could open the door for a senior call-up.
“With the absence of Aaron and Malick, things are normal, so we have things to assess and are preparing,” Nuno said. “Everyone [else is fine].
“And we have George Earthy, Airidas Golambeckis and Callum Marshall involved in the Under-21s game.”
Earthy wants to make his mark under Nuno after Bristol City success
Providing they come through that Aldershot meeting unscathed, a spot on the bench awaits against Fulham. Especially if Scarles is not passed fit.
Nuno did say West Ham would need every player during a gruelling schedule made all the harder by those AFCON absentees.
And Earthy has been in sensational form for Greg Lincoln’s Under-21 side. After suffering ankle ligament and hamstring injuries, the former Bristol City loanee is determined to make up for lost time and force his way back into a side for whom he scored on only his second senior appearance against Luton Town in May 2024.
A handful of stars played for BOTH West Ham and Fulham!
What changes would you make to this XI? And who would you pick to play for Nuno now?
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“I’m just trying to get back to full fitness, which I have done. Now, it’s about getting match fit,” Earthy told the club’s official website last week.
“It’s something you miss massively [playing first-team football]. When you get a taste of it like I did last year [on loan at Ashton Gate], I think it gives you that much more hunger and that much more drive to get back out there.
“Especially for the club that I’ve been at my whole life. I think it makes you that much hungrier, and I can’t wait to get out there.
“It definitely hurts [seeing West Ham in the relegation zone]. And I think it hurts a lot more being a West Ham fan because it just means that much more. I’m just desperate to try and help the team, that’s the first thing of all. And for myself, I’m just also desperate to get out there as well.”
Marshall may be promoted to second-choice behind Callum Wilson for the time being with Fullkrug off. Under-21 captain Golambeckis trains regularly under Nuno at Rush Green, meanwhile.
If Ezra Mayers is forced to start at left-back against Fulham in place of Diouf and Scarles – Kyle Walker-Peters is also busy on right-back duty – that could open up a spot on the bench for 18-year-old Golambeckis.
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