Why West Ham face worrying Mads Hermansen scenario after injury latest

Alphonse Areola's injury setback means Mads Hermansen will likely continue as West Ham's starter despite poor form and fan calls for his removal.

West Ham face a goalkeeper crisis after Alphonse Areola suffered an injury that forced him out of the matchday squad against Blackburn Rovers. The Frenchman is set to undergo a scan to determine the severity of his issue, which could keep him sidelined.

This comes as a major frustration for the club and supporters, who have been calling for Areola to replace Mads Hermansen in the starting XI. The Denmark international, signed from Leicester City in summer 2025, has underperformed significantly at West Ham.

Despite keeping four clean sheets this season—joint-third most in the Championship—his underlying statistics are alarming: a save percentage of just 54 per cent (bottom 10 per cent of divisional keepers) and 23 goals conceded in 15 games (1.5 per 90).

His performance in the recent 2-1 defeat at Blackburn was particularly poor, with questions raised over both goals, especially Oladapo Afolayan's second where Hermansen appeared to make insufficient effort.

With Areola now injured, Hermansen looks set to continue between the sticks, much to the frustration of the London Stadium faithful.