Nuno Espírito Santo’s first game as West Ham’s new head coach kicks off at 8pm tonight and whether by choice or forced upon him, the Hammers’ boss will be fielding a different line up from Potter’s much maligned starting XI.

Claret and Hugh understands James Ward Prowse has not travelled to Merseyside for West Ham’s game against Everton.

‘Undroppable’ no longer or just injured? James Ward-Prowse

It is unknown whether it is injury or illness related or a selection decision under the new manager Nuno Espírito Santo who takes charge of the Hammers for his first game after just the briefest glimpse of his squad in training at the weekend.

Ward Prowse seemed undroppable under Graham Potter despite a drop in form, but the former manager stuck by the 30-year-old midfielder despite supporter criticism.

Ward Prowse had a very unsuccessful loan spell under Nuno’s leadership at Nottingham Forest.

The former Southampton midfielder joined Nottingham Forest in August 2024, but by January 2025, the deal had been terminated, and Ward-Prowse had been sent back to West Ham with his tail between his legs.

There is probably no love lost between the pair so there will be a...