As confirmed by West Ham United, Angelo Ogbonna suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday. With the injury, the centre-back is likely to miss the rest of the season, and perhaps even some of the next.
If the extent of the injury does rule the Italian out for the season – which is likely – West Ham will extend the defender’s contract for another year, according to Roshane Thomas of The Athletic.
The injury news comes at the worse time possible for Ogbonna. He was in the form of his life in what is quite possibly one of the most formidable West Ham sides that the Premier League has seen.
Extent of Angelo Ogbonna Injury Revealed by West Ham United
Touch of Class by West Ham
The more months that go by, the more likeable West Ham become under David Moyes, from the players to the manager himself. And that likeable nature seems to have extended its reach up to the decision makers after Ogbonna’s injury, with a reported contract extension despite the defender’s injury a clear touch of class.
Such is Ogbonna’s key position within the West Ham ranks, a new contract could have been pending before the injury anyway. But, at 33 – 34 by the time he returns – the Hammers could have easily let the Italian run down his current contract. It is a real sign of appreciation, however, that, even after the injury, a new deal looks to be on its way.
As the season progresses, Moyes will miss the influence of Ogbonna, but will be well aware of the players available ready to step up. Craig Dawson came on against Liverpool and didn’t look one bit out of place. The Englishman looks the obvious option to cover for Ogbonna for the rest of the season whilst the Italian recovers.
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