West Ham 'not afraid' of Liverpool as Hammers battle injury crisis for tough clash

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is adamant his side will not back down against Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Hammers go into the weekend on the back of a four-match unbeaten run, including a 1-0 win over Southampton, although injuries and suspensions could leave them without five key players for this Boxing Day match.

Goalkeepers Lukasz Fabianski, Max Kilman and Carlos Soler were forced off the field due to injuries, while midfield duo Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez are on the bench due to yellow card suspensions.

However, Lopetegui's courage remains unwavering as he prepares for the home game, saying: “Be afraid? No, afraid no. We have great respect for all the teams, but we have the same respect for Southampton, for Liverpool and for all of them.

“We are talking about the best team in the Premier League. Top players, a very good coach, they are now up to the task but we have to believe in ourselves, in our strength and in our possibilities.”

Lopetegui stressed his confidence in his team and their ability to meet the challenge, emphasizing the importance of unity and teamwork ahead of this clash.

Players coming off the bench, like Alphonse Areola, Jean-Clair Todibo and Edson Alvarez, who took over in the previous match, could play a bigger role against the Reds, who themselves notched their 22nd victory in 26 matches under the tutelage of Arne Slot. with a 3-1 victory over Leicester.

With Lucas Paqueta returning from his own suspension, Lopetegui stressed the importance of collective effort ahead of Sunday's daunting encounter.

Lopetegui issued a rallying call, admitting: “We are talking about the best team in the Premier League by far. That's reason enough to be ready. Now we need to rest and be ready for the next challenge.

“It's time to take advantage of the players we're going to need. It's time to highlight the value of the team with capital letters because we need them.

“We have a lot of problems. All the midfielders are out, and we only have two central defenders, but it happens and we have to be ready. In football, don't be afraid.”