West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo is expected to be handed an opportunity to stake his claim for a regular starting role against Liverpool tonight.
The France international arrived at the London Stadium in the summer transfer window as one of the Hammers’ most high-profile incomings of the close season, his signing viewed as a major coup given Juventus and Manchester United had both shown concrete interest in Todibo.
However, the central defender’s game time has been limited having made just two brief substitute appearances in the Premier League before playing just 45 minutes of the the Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth on August 28.
But it is understood Todibo is in line to start at Anfield tonight as the teams clash in a Carabao Cup third round tie where a strong performance could see the 24-year-old give Julen Lopetegui a selection headache ahead of Saturday’s league clash versus Brentford.
Todibo, who arrived on loan from Nice with the option to make the deal permanent for £35million, was expected to be a regular starter for the Hammers.
Jean-Clair Todibo is expected to start for West Ham in their Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool
The defender will be given the chance by Julen Lopetegui to stake his claim for a regular role
Todibo’s game-time has been limited to date despite his high-profile signing for West Ham
It is understood Lopetegui is working on building Todibo’s fitness ahead of considering him for a Premier League start, with the Spanish coach so far preferring Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos in heart of his defence.
But the Hammers have picked up just four points from a possible 15 so far following a disappointing start to the season that has seen them concede nine goals – the third worst record in the division.