Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that West Ham midfielder George Earthy will miss between four to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Earthy was promoted to the Hammers’ first-team squad this season following an impressive loan spell at Bristol City.
The 21-year-old academy graduate was due to travel on West Ham’s pre-season tour of the United States before suffering an ankle ligament injury.
Earthy now faces another extended period on the sidelines, with new head coach Nuno assessing his squad over the next few weeks.
“Today we worked with 22 players, and tomorrow we make the decisions. Let's wait and see,” Nuno told reporters ahead of Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.
“With the exception of George (Earthy), all the players are available. We just had a meeting with the medical department. Four to six weeks, unfortunately. Young lads are so important for us.
“They bring this energy, so we expect George to return soon.”
Tomas Soucek is still suspended for West Ham following his sending off against Tottenham, but Nuno would not confirm whether James Ward-Prowse or Jean-Clair Todibo would be included in his squad to face Arsenal, having not been involved against Everton on Monday night.
“We are trying to know the players better as soon as possible, so we can make solutions,” he said. “The mindset is on what the team needs, and we need all the squad.
“Todibo trained last week, he didn't train all the session. He was not involved, now he's involved. Let's wait and see.”
However, Nuno did confirm that Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be in contention to play against Arsenal.
The right-back, who recorded two goals and five assists in 36 Premier League appearances last season, has missed West Ham’s last three games with a stomach issue.
He returned to training last week, but the 1-1 draw with Everton came too soon.
Wan-Bissaka was voted as West Ham’s Player of the Year last season following his £15million move from Manchester United.
His likely return comes as a major boost to Nuno as he looks to build a defensive unit that he can rely on in his first few weeks in the job after succeeding the sacked Graham Potter.
