West Ham dealt second injury blow as Newcastle United, Manchester United & Chelsea watch on

West Ham United will be without Jarrod Bowen for Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Bayer Leverkusen.

Bowen had to be substituted in the 54th minute at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday as the Hammers came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 following goals from Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse.

The loss of Bowen, however, was a major talking point after the game, and David Moyes was hopeful he’d be OK for the trip Germany.

“We have to hope he’s okay,” said Moyes. “You need all your top players at this stage of the season and Jarrod is one who’s been doing great for us. It looks like he’s had a knee into his hip, or his back. It’s not a twist or anything like that. He’s really stiff and I’ve had one or two of those myself and they don’t go away too quick.

“We need to hope it doesn’t linger. I asked Jarrod how he’s feeling and he said he feels sore. I’m just hoping it’s not too bad. Every week you need your big players to be ready, but we need him this week.”

However, following further assessment, the England international has been ruled out with no word on whether he will return in time for Sunday’s Premier League fixture at home to Fulham.

West Ham, who already without goalkeeper Alphonse Areola because of a groin issue, currently sit seventh in the top-flight table, one point behind Manchester United in sixth and one point ahead of Newcastle United in eighth, who face each other in their game in-hand.

The three clubs, alongside the likes of Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion, are eyeing a European qualification spot. Finishing sixth guarantees a Europa League spot while seventh is a Europa Conference League place.