West Ham United’s Hopes Boosted by Bowen’s Potential Return
In the wake of a challenging Europa League quarter-final first leg, West Ham United’s prospects of a comeback against Bayer Leverkusen have been bolstered by the potential return of their top scorer, Jarrod Bowen. The Premier League side, which suffered a 2-0 defeat in Germany, is looking to reverse their fortunes in the upcoming second leg.
Bowen, who has been sidelined due to a knee injury that also saw him miss the recent match against Fulham, has resumed training and could be back on the pitch for Thursday’s crucial game. Manager David Moyes expressed cautious optimism during a press conference, highlighting Bowen’s importance to the team. “It was great to see Jarrod out there,” Moyes said, adding that
The decision on whether Bowen will play is set to be made shortly before the game. Moyes is also weighing the conditions of midfielder Kalvin Phillips and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, both absent from the first leg. The manager emphasized the importance of player welfare and his reluctance to risk further injury.
Despite the uphill battle, Moyes remains patient and committed to the cause. He reflected on the narrow margin of the first leg, where West Ham held off Leverkusen until the 83rd minute. “We have to be patient, and play until the end,” he stated, acknowledging the unpredictability of such matches.
Leverkusen, fresh from their Bundesliga triumph and an impressive 43-game unbeaten streak, may face West Ham with residual celebration fatigue. Moyes humorously suggested that their league victory festivities could play into West Ham’s hands. “Let’s hope that they have had a few of those big German beers,” he quipped.
As the countdown to the second leg ticks away, all eyes will be on West Ham’s lineup and whether Bowen’s return can inspire a turnaround to keep their European dreams alive.
