West Ham: Zaza could return to Italy; another injury for the Hammers; Ladies team changes

By Sam Leveridge

Sources in Italy are reporting that flop striker Simone Zaza could be set to return to Italy just months after initially moving to London, with Napoli believed to be interested in signing the forward who was held responsible for his country’s failure at Euro 2016 by missing a penalty in the shoot-out against Germany. Zaza has struggled and failed to impress in his opening five performances for the club, and it is believed that another five matches in claret and blue would see a clause triggered to make the deal permanent.

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That could mean that the Juventus striker could return to Italy sooner rather than later, with nobody wanting the clause to be activated as the forward struggles to adapt to life in London, Napoli wanting to buy the player and West Ham seeking any way possible to avoid being forced into buying him permanently after he has failed to live up to expectations.

However, the club may be forced into playing should the current injury crisis continue, as the Sun claim that Gokhan Tore is the latest player to pick up an injury. His thigh injury is likely to keep him out of action for around five weeks, adding to the list of injuries which currently includes the likes of Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew.

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It’s a frustrating blow for Slaven Bilic just as the crisis seemed to be easing, with Aaron Cresswell and Diafra Sakho both nearing a return to fitness after long term injuries, but the side will have to continue to contend with injury problems alongside their current poor form.

One issue has been resolved though, as off the field BBC Sport report that the club has taken back control of the Ladies’ team branch of West Ham United. Last week the chairman of the Ladies club, Stephen Hunt, accused them of discrimination, but Karren Brady and the club’s board have moved quickly to regain power over the set-up having previously given control to a third party. Brady said:

The addition of the ladies into the West Ham family is the solution my board and I have long sought. Not only does it secure the long-term future of the ladies’ side, but also guarantees current and future supporters, players and staff of the ladies’ team will form an integral part of the club’s bright future as we move forward.

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Now, the club will manage the Ladies team and the youth academy for that team, adding an exciting new dimension to the Hammers club as they try to kick start life in the London Stadium.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Dailong Li.