© Provided by Transfer TavernDeclan Rice celebrates in the stands
West Ham United insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that Declan Rice should be fit to face Brighton this coming weekend.
The Lowdown: Hammers have missed Rice
The Irons have enjoyed a fantastic season so far and are in with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, but Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Everton has damaged those hopes.
Rice has been unavailable for the last six matches through injury, of which the Hammers have lost three - they have also failed to keep a clean sheet in any of those games (Transfermarkt).
The Latest: Back for Brighton
There is good news in regards to the £54m-valued England international, though.
ExWHUemployee was asked on Twitter whether Rice would be fit for the clash with the Seagulls on Saturday afternoon, replying "He should be, yes".
The Verdict: Boost for Moyes
Even after the defeat to the Toffees, this will come as a huge boost to David Moyes. Rice has been captain for the majority of West Ham's Premier League matches this term, and he is seen as a natural successor to Mark Noble moving forward.
No Hammers team-mate has averaged more than the 21-year-old's two interceptions per game in 2020/21, while only two players have exceeded his match average of 1.9 successful tackles (WhoScored), illustrating his importance to the cause.
With him in the middle of the park, the Irons have looked like genuine contenders to qualify for Europe's premier club competition next season.
Unfortunately, this latest defeat has made it difficult for West Ham to achieve that dream. They are now five points behind fourth-placed Leicester with just three games left to play (Sky Sports). With Rice back, though, their chances of staying in the hunt should be strengthened.
In other news, some West Ham fans slammed the performance of this man against Everton.
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