West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyaté Suffers Early Setback After Summer Move
West Ham United’s summer signing Cheikhou Kouyaté has sustained an injury just days into his Premier League debut campaign, in a blow to both the club and the player.
The Senegal international, who arrived from Belgian champions Anderlecht in June for a reported €10 million, is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a training ground injury. Kouyaté was on the receiving end of a two-footed tackle during a session, which left him with a tear just above his ankle.
Manager Sam Allardyce confirmed the seriousness of the incident. “It could have been much worse,” Allardyce told reporters. “The tackle was just above his ankle — any lower and he might have suffered a leg fracture. As it stands, it’s a nasty injury and he could be out for a while.”
The 24-year-old midfielder had only recently begun training with his new teammates, adjusting to the physically demanding nature of English football. His absence comes as a setback for the Hammers, who were looking to integrate the dynamic midfielder into their system ahead of the new season.
Kouyaté, who played a pivotal role in Anderlecht’s domestic success last season, was expected to add strength and athleticism to West Ham’s midfield. His experience in European competition and versatility were key factors in the club’s decision to bring him to east London.
There is no official timeframe yet for his return, but the injury will likely delay his much-anticipated Premier League debut. The club’s medical staff are continuing to assess the extent of the damage.
West Ham begin their league campaign in the coming weeks, and Allardyce may now be forced to rethink his midfield options as Kouyaté begins his recovery.
