Payet Mystery Deepens Will He Or Won't He?

As has been widely reported, Dimitri Payet did not train with the rest of the squad yesterday and did not join them on the coach for the visit to Stoke City, there has been no official confirmation that the Hammers talisman will not be playing but it looks increasingly as if that is the case. Top joint scorer Payet was substituted towards the end of the 3-2 victory over European rivals Manchester United, and apparently has a 'niggle', however it is unlikely that a small injury would prevent the mercurial french man from at least featuring at some point in the match. West Ham United coped without Payet when he was last injured, albeit with a raft of draws rather than victories, however we were informed early this morning that Payet may well still make the trip to Stoke and that his absence was due to the fact that one of his sons was unwell and that he had needed to be at home to help out. Of course Payet's presence would greatly enhance Hammers chances of making a Europa slot automatically, but if he is unable to play then it will be a situation that the squad have to cope with or risk being labeled a 'one trick pony' club especially with European Knights beckoning. Manuel Lanzini, who has been playing a much deeper role of late, will have to step up to the plate to fill the gulf of creativity left by Payet's absence if that is what eventually transpires. Mikael Antonio could play as a proper all out winger and James Tomkins could fill the right back berth.
A positive result from the Stoke City match is absolutely vital if Hammers are to maintain the European competition aspirations that our sponsors have marked them up for VISIT THE FULL WEBSITE HERE, otherwise it will be a case of just hoping that other teams fail to pick up points, this would be an entirely unsatisfactory conclusion to a season that has shown so much promise. Time for Slaven Billic to garner his men, and help see them over the line! - Ed