According to a recent report by the Evening Standard, West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski underwent surgery on Saturday after injuring his hip which could keep him sidelined for the remainder of this calendar year. The same source has claimed that the Poland international could be out of action for three months.
Fabianski’s Recent Setback After A Decent Start To This Season
The Hammers goalie sustained the hip injury during his team’s 2-2 draw away at Bournemouth before the international break. Now that he is unavailable, Manuel Pellegrini will expect his veteran keeper Roberto to step up to the challenge and put in some decent displays in goal at the London Stadium. The Spaniard made his Premier League debut when he came on to replace Fabianski in between the sticks versus the Cherries last month.
The former Arsenal custodian has made a solid start to this campaign after conceding just eight goals and securing three clean sheets in seven league appearances for the East London club thus far. The 34-year-old is also vastly experienced in international football, having represented Poland in 52 international fixtures so far.
Therefore, Pellegrini will find it hard to accept the fact that his number one keeper will be missing in action for the rest of this year. The West Ham boss would now be hoping for Fabianski’s speedy recovery. Roberto will take over the Polish goalie’s first-team duties with a tricky match against Everton looming on the horizon.
What Does The Polish Talent Add To Pellegrini’s Side?
Fabianski is quick, agile and can make some brilliant saves at the back to help his side secure clean sheets. He has made some vital stops for West Ham since making a switch from Swansea City last summer. The Poland international is excellent with his feet as well, which makes him one of the most talented goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Fabianski Out For Three Months: Big Blow For Pellegrini?
Losing him for three months will be a huge blow for the Hammers and their chances of mounting a top 4 charge this season. The race to finish in one of the UEFA Champions League slots is still wide open with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City failing to find consistency in terms of results on the pitch.
Hence, West Ham will now hope that Roberto has what it takes to fill in during Fabianski’s absence and keep the Londoners in the running for a European spot.
