West Ham United will have an opportunity to bounce back from their disappointing FA Cup third-round loss to Bristol City as they prepare to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this Sunday afternoon. However, they will have to navigate this match without several key players, and there are concerns about the fitness of star player Jarrod Bowen.

Bowen sustained an ankle injury during the initial FA Cup tie at the London Stadium. While early reports indicated a potential lengthy absence, subsequent updates have provided hope that he might be available for this weekend’s fixture.

His potential return would be a significant boost for David Moyes’ squad. Despite this, West Ham will be dealing with multiple absences regardless of Bowen’s status. Here’s a summary of the latest team news and injury updates, as well as a projected starting lineup:

Goalkeeper & Defense:

Nayef Aguerd is unavailable due to international duty with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. His potential participation depends on Morocco’s upcoming match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kostantinos Mavropanos, though initially a doubt due to fitness concerns, successfully completed the midweek match against Bristol City and is expected to feature against Sheffield United. Full-back Vladimír Coufal, while one booking away from suspension, remains available for selection on Sunday.

Midfield:

Mohammed Kudus will be absent for the entire AFCON 2023 tournament, but there’s a possibility of an earlier return due to Ghana’s challenging campaign.

Lucas Paquetá sustained an injury during the previous match against Bristol City. Although his return against Sheffield United is unlikely, his recovery progress suggests a sooner-than-expected comeback.

Forwards:

Jarrod Bowen, initially believed to be facing an extended period on the sidelines, has shown promising signs of a swifter recovery. While his involvement against Sheffield United is not confirmed, Moyes is eager to involve him if feasible.

Saïd Benrahma is suspended following a three-match ban, and his potential departure from the club adds uncertainty to his future involvement. Michail Antonio may make a return to the bench after recuperating from a knee injury sustained in mid-November.

Predicted West Ham Lineup vs. Sheffield United:
Areola; Emerson, Zouma, Mavropanos, Coufal; Ward-Prowse, Souček, Álvarez; Fornals, Cornet, Bowen.