- The club expects him to be out for up to six weeks but he could return sooner
- Julen Lopetegui highlighted a trait of Jarrod Bowen that can help him
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Julen Lopetegui has backed Jarrod Bowen to make a speedy recovery after the West Ham captain was ruled out for six weeks with a broken foot.
Bowen limped off during the 5-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday and the club later announced that the striker would be sidelined for a time.
The injury is a blow for the Hammers, with Bowen leading the way for the club this season in both goals and assists, scoring five goals and assisting another four.
Lopetegui refused to put a time frame on the injury but it is understood the club expect him to be out for up to six weeks but are hopeful he can return even sooner.
“It's not going to be just a few days, so it's not good for us,” Lopetegui said. 'Now he has to rest and recover.
“We are sure that Jarrod will recover faster due to his character, but it is true that he will be out for the next few games.
Julen Lopetegui has opted for Jarrod Bowen to recover 'faster' than expected from his injury
The West Ham boss has not set a timetable for the injury, but it is understood the captain could be out for up to six weeks with a broken foot.
Lopetegui urged other West Ham stars to step up in the absence of their injured talisman
“I prefer not to give a figure (on how long he will be out) because we have to see how the next few weeks will play out.”
Bowen will now miss the weekend's match against Manchester City, as well as the FA Cup third round clash against Aston Villa.
Lopetegui, under pressure, has urged other West Ham stars to step up in Bowen's absence as they look to bounce back from their thrashing of Liverpool that came from a four-game unbeaten run.
“Jarrod is without a doubt one of our main players and our captain too, but now we have to find a solution and it is time for other players to show that they are willing to help us,” Lopetegui said.
“We want Jarrod to recover as soon as possible but, in the same way, we believe in the players on the squad who are going to try to take advantage of this opportunity.”