Newcastle Utd switch fast to new formation as West Ham confirm severe double injury

West Ham United may be without two defenders when Newcastle United visits the London Stadium.

West Ham United could be missing fullbacks Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson when they face Newcastle United on Sunday. Cresswell and Johnson did not play in the Hammers’ Europa League match against Freiburg on Thursday night at Stade-Europa Park.

Cresswell has yet to play in the Premier League for the Hammers this season and has not been named to any of their past four matchday squads across all competitions due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Johnson played 90 minutes in their Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City last week, but a groin ailment kept him out of their trip to Germany and their weekend triumph over Sheffield United.

David Moyes chose a full-strength team for their encounter against Freiburg, with new acquisition James Ward-Prowse partnering Lucas Paqueta and fellow new arrival Edson Alvarez in midfield. Jarrod Bowen, who was named to Gareth Southgate’s newest England team, was also present.