In east London, Edson Álvarez’s wait for a competitive return at West Ham United remains unresolved, but Nuno Espírito Santo has indicated that the Mexican midfielder has not been excluded from his plans.
Álvarez has been absent from official matchday squads since 8 August, after weeks in which his future at the club became a subject of speculation. He was linked with a move during the most recent transfer window while attempting to regain his place in the side.
West Ham keep the door open
- Álvarez continued training alongside the West Ham squad after the last international break and also featured in a friendly match.
- Despite that involvement, the midfielder has not returned to a competitive squad since early August.
- Before Tuesday’s Championship Matchday 10 trip to Lincoln City, Espírito Santo was asked about players who have yet to receive minutes this season.
- The Portuguese coach did not name Álvarez directly, but said every member of his squad remained under consideration.
“Every player is working,” Espírito Santo said. “It is our responsibility to make the decisions. Not everyone has played yet, but opportunities will come. Every player in the squad is part of our plans.”
No return date confirmed
The manager’s remarks offer encouragement to the Mexico international, whose lack of selection had added to uncertainty around both his sporting role and his longer-term future in London.
However, Espírito Santo gave no indication of when Álvarez might next be included for an official fixture, nor did he confirm whether the midfielder would be available for the coming Championship matches. For now, the 8 August absence remains the marker of a prolonged spell on the margins, even as West Ham insist the door is still open.
