Marko Arnoutovic ‘couldn’t run’ this morning explains Manuel Pellegrini after West Ham talisman misses Chelsea clash
Hammers' top scorer has been the leading man for Pellegrini's team so far this season
MANUEL PELLEGRINI says Marko Arnautovic "couldn't run" this morning after being ruled OUT of West Ham's clash with Chelsea.
Arnautovic has been the Hammers' leading man this season, scoring three goals in five Premier League games this season.
But 17th place West Ham will have to make do without the Austrian as they take on Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea at the London Stadium.
Pellegrini explained: "He tried to see last minute if he was fit but he just worked yesterday a little bit.
"This morning, he couldn't run; he tried but he couldn't.
"He's an important player, he's scoring a lot of goals so it's not the best news when you're playing one of the leaders in the Premier League."
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Chilean chief Pellegrini has replaced him with Michail Antonio.
The Hammers are looking to build on the momentum of a 3-1 win against Everton last weekend.
Prior to that, West Ham had not gained a single point from their first four games of the Prem season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking to retain their perfect record and draw level on points with leaders Liverpool.