West Ham are dealing with a virus amongst the squad ahead of the London derby later today.

Our Hammers take on Arsenal at the London Stadium in the Saturday evening fixture, hoping to build on the outstanding performance and result at Newcastle earlier in the week.

Arsenal on the other hand are also boosted by a recent upturn in form, which has the making of a memorable derby under the floodlights.

Its been reported by ExWHUEmployee on The West Ham Way Patreon that the Hammers squad has been affected by a virus outbreak, which the club have been working hard to manage this week.

“Staff were sent home from work on Friday and academy games have been cancelled to minimise the risk of something spreading ,” said the club insider. “West Ham under 18s were due to play Norwich today but this has now been cancelled. The women’s team were also sent home from training but they do not have a game this weekend as it is the international break.”

Despite the issue, it is hoped that the first team will come through unscathed and Julen Lopetegui will have all of his players available, aside from Mohammed Kudus who is still suspended and Niclas Fullkrug is not yet expected to feature.

Jean-Clair Todibo was a concern following a slight injury picked up in the Newcastle game and he will be assessed ahead of the fixture.

“Edson Alvarez returns to the squad from his two game suspension but Muhammed Kudus still has another match to serve,” added Ex.

Gabriel is a doubt for the visitors today, however Declan Rice is expected to make his Premier League return against the club he captained and came through the Academy.

Todays match kicks off at 5:30pm and is being shown live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.