West Ham United suffered a crushing defeat against Aston Villa at the London Stadium, giving up the lead twice before falling to a 3-2 loss.
The Hammers remain in 18th place in the league table, but they have shown some positive fight that will encourage the London Stadium faithful.
Unfortunately, West Ham’s resurgence under Nuno Espirito Santo is set to be punctuated by the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21 and runs till January 18.
West Ham will lose full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal), leaving the East Londoners light at the back.
Read on as we analyse how the Hammers can navigate the absence of the influential duo in the rearguard.
Malick Diouf has been West Ham’s signing of the season
Left-back Malick Diouf has taken the Premier League by storm following his switch over the summer. His athleticism, crossing, and non-stop engine make him quite the prospect.
Defensively, he is still suspect, but it is his first season in the English top flight, and he will improve in the coming years.
The ‘quality’ defender will be a massive miss for the Irons when he leaves for AFCON.
However, West Ham and Nuno can mitigate his absence by signing another left-back on loan for six months to plug the gap.
Nuno doesn’t trust Oliver Scarles and would be better served turning to a loan option like Manchester United’s Tyrell Malacia or Real Madrid’s Fran Garcia to make up the numbers.
Both men have struggled for game time at their respective clubs and could jump at the chance to feel important again, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Garcia or Malacia can do a job temporarily at left-back while Malick Diouf and Senegal attempt to wrest back the AFCON title.
Wan-Bissaka’s AFCON departure leaves a massive hole at the back
Right-back Wan-Bissaka is one of West Ham’s most consistent performers. He is arguably the best defensive full-back in the league.
While Kyle Walker-Peters can do a serviceable job at right-back in the 28-year-old’s absence, the Hammers might consider heading to the loan market for a temporary solution.
Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong is crying out for game time, but Enzo Maresca is unwilling to budge.
West Ham should look at the versatile defender who can deliver at right-back and centre-back.
Acheampong is an elite talent and could benefit from the experience of a short-term loan to East London.
The Blues have more than enough cover at right-back and wouldn’t miss him too much if he joins West Ham to cover for Wan-Bissaka.
A loan also benefits them as they can get a more refined player six months later, ready for more first-team action.
He can also earn Chelsea a significant transfer fee if they decide to sell.