AdminRumours of a rift between West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and manager Nuno Espírito Santo have been dismissed by sources close to the club, despite growing speculation surrounding the Frenchman’s absence.
Areola has yet to feature for the Hammers this season, leading to questions among supporters and plenty of discussion on social media.
The situation has also been linked to previous comments from his wife, Marion Areola, who criticised Nuno for leaving her husband out without what she believed was a clear reason.
The goalkeeper’s last appearance for West Ham came on the final day of last season in the Premier League against Leeds United.
Since then, he has been named among the substitutes for matches against Portsmouth, Burnley and Charlton without making an appearance.
Areola was subsequently left out of the matchday squad for the trip to Watford and has remained absent since.
He also withdrew late before the previous cup meeting with Southampton after suffering a calf problem, giving young goalkeeper Herrick an opportunity.
Nuno later provided an update on Areola’s fitness after he missed the Wrexham game with a dead leg, saying: “With Areola, it was a dead leg, but he is improving, and we are continuing to assess him day by day.”
The club sources insist there is no rift and expect Areola to return once fully fit.
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