Newcastle United are battling West Ham United and Chelsea for seventh place in the Premier League.
West Ham United are concerned about Jarrod Bowen’s fitness after the England international was forced off against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
The 27-year-old had to be replaced in the 54th minute with West Ham down 1-0 at Molineux. Even without Bowen, the Hammers came from behind to win thanks to goals from Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse.
Bowen’s absence, however, is a source of concern for David Moyes’ side, who face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal on Thursday. The former Hull City attacker has scored 18 goals this season.
“We have to hope he’s okay,” Moyes remarked. “You need all of your top players at this point in the season, and Jarrod has been doing an excellent job for us.” It appears that he has a knee in his hip or back. It is not a twist or anything like that. He’s really stiff, and I’ve had one or two of those myself, and they don’t go away easily.
“We need to hope it doesn’t last. I asked Jarrod how he felt, and he stated he was sore. I just hope it isn’t too bad. Every week, you need your key players to be prepared, but we need him this week.”
Newcastle United and Chelsea are battling with West Ham for seventh place, which secures European qualification for next season. Eddie Howe’s men are one point and one place behind the Hammers, with a game in hand.
Bruno Guimaraes, making his 100th appearance, scored an 81st-minute winner away to Fulham on Saturday to keep United in contention.
