Since the international window, West Ham have returned to action with two wins and two draws conceding eight goals across those four Premier League games.
Prior to the international break, the Hammers had only conceded eight goals in their previous eight league matches, with three of those coming against Arsenal in a 3-3 draw.
The leaky defence is certainly a worry for Hammers boss David Moyes, but when asked about it the Scot had a simple explanation for the change.
"Mostly it is not having Declan Rice," he said. "He’s not a bad player. He played in the game where we drew three each against Arsenal but he is incredibly important."
The loss of Declan Rice was always going to be a hard one for West Ham to take but the knock-on effect to those around him has been clear to see.
Moyes has switched formations to a five-man defence in order to provide more defensive cover and Mark Noble has come in for the 22-year-old, but still, the goals have been conceded.
Rice has been out of action for over a month now but the midfielder has been back running in training this week and Moyes refused to rule out a recovery in time for the match against Burnley on Monday night.
The boss was cagey when asked about the injuries to not only Rice but Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku too.
However, Moyes dangled some hope for Hammers fans that the quartet could be back sooner rather than later, particularly when it came to Antonio.
"He is working with the physios and on the grass," Moyes said. "I wouldn’t rule him out yet but I don’t want to rule him in either. Let’s hope that he’s got a chance.
"We’ve got Aaron Cresswell, Declan Rice and Arthur [Masuaku] out. We’ve had a few out so we’re trying to get them all back [for Burnley] if we can."
Moyes added: "They make a difference because they are important players."
With West Ham sitting three points off fourth-placed Chelsea going into the matches this weekend, the return of any one of his key players would clearly be most welcome.
But looking at the defensive record without Rice in the side, getting his vice-captain back would be a huge boost to the team as they aim to maintain their unlikely European push.
