Spurs hit by potential major blow to best player ahead of big West Ham clash

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West Ham go to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur when the Premier League action resumes next Saturday and there may be some big news ahead of the clash.

There is no love lost between Spurs and West Ham on or off the pitch.

There have been some iconic matches, goals and moments between the two London rivals down the years.

Tottenham have a slight edge over West Ham in terms of overall victories.

But both the Hammers and Spurs have enjoyed some really competitive matches, especially in the Premier League era.

The two sides are going into the match in very different mindsets.

West Ham finally breathed life into the new Julen Lopetegui era with a comfortable 4-1 win over Ipswich before the international break.

Meanwhile Tottenham Hotspur blew a 2-0 half-time lead at Brighton to lose 3-2.

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Spurs will have been wallowing in that demoralising defeat while West Ham will have had 14 days to bask in some much-needed positivity.

When Premier League action resumes on October 19th, Tottenham host West Ham in north London.

The Hammers have one big injury issue and two slight concerns ahead of the derby.

Three West Ham concerns for Tottenham clash

Star West Ham duo Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jarrod Bowen sparked concern with a no-show at training this week.

Both were seen limping after the win over Ipswich. Bowen was furious with fellow former Hull star Jacob Greaves after a painful foul on him.

The Hammers talisman was seen walking gingerly after that and at the end of the game.

But with another week to go it is hoped their absence from training was simply rest and recovery and that both will be available for Tottenham.

A player who probably won’t be, though, is big summer striker signing Niclas Fullkrug.

The German has been out for five games with an Achilles and calf issue.

West Ham were non-committal over rumours Fullkrug now needs an operation. As things stand there are no guarantees the £23.5m striker signing will be available for Spurs.

Fullkrug was also nowhere to be seen in training footage.

Lopetegui and Ange Postecoglou have both lost a host of key players to international duty.

And it seems there may be some bad news for Tottenham Hotspur as a result.

Spurs hit by potential blow to best player ahead of West Ham

Because Spurs have been hit by a potential major blow to their best player ahead of the big West Ham clash.

Brennan Johnson is head and shoulders Tottenham’s best, most in-form and dangerous player right now.

The former Forest man – who was heavily linked with a move to West Ham under David Moyes – simply can’t stop scoring.

After a difficult start to the season, Johnson was criticised by some Tottenham fans.

But his efforts to prove his doubters wrong have been nothing short of spectacular.

Johnson made it seven goals in seven games when he scored the opener for Wales in their 2-2 away draw against Iceland in the UEFA Nations League on Friday night.

Tottenham’s top scorer was substituted just after half-time, though.

Johnson ‘seen hobbling’ before being subbed off

And BBC Sport claim the Spurs star was seen hobbling and suggested the substitution was injury-related.

“He was hobbling earlier in the half,” the report states.

“Spurs fans will have their fingers crossed he’s OK, other than being metaphorically on fire.”

Johnson was booked in the game which means he is suspended for Wales’ other fixture.

Whether he will now return to Tottenham early for medical assessment ahead of West Ham remains to be seen.

If he does miss the game, it will come as a huge relief for Lopetegui and the Hammers.

Tottenham have quality options of course.

But to lose a player in such red hot goalscoring form will be a bitter blow for Postecoglou.