Soccer

    Jarrod Bowen latest: West Ham boss David Moyes provides update ahead of Europa League outing

    Planet Sport writerStaff Writer29 November 2023
    Jarrod Bowen

    Jarrod Bowen

    West Ham will be without Jarrod Bowen for the latest leg of their European adventure in Serbia.

    The winger, 26, has not travelled to southeastern Europe for the clash against Backa Topola having sustained a knee injury on England duty last week.

    The Hammers are also without Michail Antonio, another knee injury-victim, meaning 19-year-old Divin Mubama could be tasked with leading the line as the Europa Conference League winners attempt to seal their spot in the knockout stages.

    “Jarrod hasn’t travelled and we’ve got another couple who have some illness,” said Moyes.

    West Ham saw their proud record of going 17 matches unbeaten in Europe ended by Olympiacos last month.

    But they still remain in pole position to reach the last 16, lying level with Bundesliga side Freiburg at the top of Group A.

    “We’ve just gone 17 games unbeaten in Europe which was a record,” added Moyes.

    “We’ve enjoyed our journey in Europe over the last few years. We continue to enjoy it now. We come to another new city.

    “When we first got into Europe, we wanted the supporters to enjoy their trips, enjoy going away, behave well and hopefully see their team do well. Hopefully they would all stand back and say we’ve had a couple of really good years in Europe.”

    West Ham currently lie ninth in the Premier League, with Moyes balancing their continental campaign with their domestic schedule.

    The 60-year-old guided his side to the Europa League semi-finals in 2022 before their historic victory over Fiorentina in Prague last season.

    “It’s been difficult over two years trying to juggle European games with the Premier League,” said the Scot.

    “For most of it, we’ve done quite well. One semi-final. One final. We’re trying to do the same. But it’s really difficult. This year the group we’re in is very hard and making it harder to make changes.”