West Ham United’s survival fight has taken another blow after manager Graham Potter confirmed Aaron Wan-Bissaka will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against [Crystal Palace]. The full-back, who joined from Manchester United for £15m, is sidelined with a stomach problem that will delay his Selhurst Park return.
The absence comes at a tense moment for Potter, whose side sit 18th after just one win in their opening fixtures. Heavy defeats to Sunderland, Chelsea and Tottenham have left his future under scrutiny, with reports suggesting another poor result could be decisive.
Wan-Bissaka setback for Potter
Potter revealed on Thursday that Wan-Bissaka will return to light training over the weekend and may be available against Everton later this month. The 26-year-old had started the opening two games of the campaign before being benched against Nottingham Forest and left out altogether against Spurs.
“He’s been really impressive… I can’t imagine he’s played as well as he has for us at this point in his career. He looks like he’s enjoying his football, giving a lot offensively and defensively. His individual performances have been strong.” — Graham Potter on Wan-Bissaka
The defender was one of the few positives in a difficult 2024/25 campaign, showing reliability at both ends of the pitch despite West Ham’s struggles. His absence now leaves summer signing Kyle Walker-Peters as the likely starter at right-back against his former club.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka at West Ham (2024/25)
| Stat (2024/25) | Wan-Bissaka |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Tackles Won | 71% |
source: Premier League stats – 2024/25 season
Those numbers highlight Wan-Bissaka’s defensive reliability, a quality West Ham will sorely miss against an unbeaten Palace side under Oliver Glasner.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Potter faces a defining weekend:
“Wan-Bissaka’s absence is a symbolic blow. His Selhurst Park return would have been a galvanising moment for the squad. Instead, Potter goes into a must-not-lose fixture without one of his steadiest defenders. If West Ham collapse again, it’s hard to see the board resisting calls for change. The Palace fixture could easily be remembered as a turning point.”
Key Insights
- Wan-Bissaka out of Crystal Palace clash with a stomach problem.
- The defender could return later this month against Everton.
- Potter under huge pressure with West Ham sitting 18th in the table.
- Palace are unbeaten across all competitions this season.
- Kyle Walker-Peters likely to start in Wan-Bissaka’s place.
What’s Next for West Ham and Potter?
West Ham travel to Selhurst Park desperate for a positive result to ease relegation fears and reduce pressure on Potter. With Palace unbeaten in eight across all competitions, the test could hardly be tougher.
If results fail to improve, this weekend may represent a decisive moment in Potter’s tenure. A defeat could open the door for West Ham’s hierarchy to explore alternatives, with fan frustration already evident. Wan-Bissaka’s absence removes a vital defensive shield at a time when stability is needed most.
👉 Do you think Graham Potter will survive at West Ham if his side lose to Crystal Palace this weekend?
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