Craig Dawson is unlikely to leave West Ham United in January as a result of the injury problems they have suffered in defence, according to Pete O’Rourke.
The centre-back has been mooted for a move away, with him reportedly wishing to be closer to his family in Cheshire, but looks set to stay as cover.
Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd have both missed lengthy spells with injury, and Dawson has had to step in, with West Ham facing a congested fixture list thanks to their participation in the Europa Conference League.
And speaking to This Is Futbol, O’Rourke explained that a move which could have materialised now looks unlikely because of these injuries, which may come as a frustration to Dawson.
“If those injured players come back and get back in the team, and Dawson drops down to the substitute bench or out of the squad, there’s a possibility that he could get the move he wants for personal reasons to move closer to his family,” he stated.
“But I think right now any moves are probably off the table just due to West Ham’s injury problems.”
TIF thoughts on Dawson and West Ham…
The Englishman has been a reliable backup for the club since joining from Watford in 2021, but given his desire to leave, West Ham may be better served in letting him go and finding a replacement.
At 32, with his contract running out this summer, there is clearly no long-term future for Dawson at the London Stadium, and keeping an unhappy player may cause issues in the dressing room.
Aguerd has played just one game for the club since joining in the summer, but appeared for Morocco at the World Cup, and could play a big part once he returns.
If he is able to stay fit for the remainder of the season, then Dawson would no longer be required, but David Moyes will have to make a call on whether he can trust his defenders given the injury problems they have suffered so far. Indeed, with him not having much choice at the minute, the experienced defender has played 90 minutes in the Hammers’ last five Premier League games.