James Ward-Prowse dropped from West Ham squad for Nuno Espirito Santo's first match in charge | OneFootball

The midfielder has not travelled to Merseyside

James Ward-Prowse has not travelled with the West Ham squad to face Everton in the first match of Nuno Espirito Santo’s managerial reign, Standard Sport understands.

To drop him from the squad is among Nuno’s first actions as West Ham boss. The Portuguese was announced as the new head coach just a few hours after Potter’s sacking was confirmed on Saturday morning, and he took training for the first time the same day.

The Portuguese worked with Ward-Prowse when he was on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, handing the midfielder 10 appearances.

His exclusion could open the door for Soungoutou Magassa to make his full debut for the club. The 21-year-old France youth international joined the club from Monaco this summer but has been limited to just 41 minutes in the early stages of the season, appearing off the bench in losses to Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

Ward-Prowse joined West Ham in 2023, scoring eight goals in 73 appearances since. He is out of contract this summer. Once known for his set-piece prowess, he is yet to score a free-kick for the club.

Nuno will hope to make a fast start to his West Ham career tonight, and could win the hearts of a discontented supporter base with victory on Merseyside tonight.

Speaking after signing, he said: "The work has already started and I am looking forward to the challenge that is ahead."