West Ham Star Frozen Out Against QPR: Should Nuno Sell Him In January?

West Ham's 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers has sparked debate over manager Nuno Espírito Santo's team selection choices. Despite being on the bench, Mexico international Edson Álvarez was notably absent from the matchday squad altogether, according to Spanish outlet AS. The Portugal international had only previously played for West Ham in an August Carabao Cup match against Portsmouth.

With the draw, West Ham have now gone three matches without a win across all competitions. The draw also saw manager Nuno make two substitutions at half-time, bringing on Pablo and Edvin Austbø in an attempt to shift the momentum. The more significant decision, however, was Álvarez's complete omission from the squad.

Reports suggest Álvarez may be considering a move away from West Ham, with potential destinations including Olympiacos, Ajax, and Fenerbahçe. The 28-year-old made his West Ham debut in a £35 million summer transfer from Ajax. While possessing experience and defensive capability, regular game time is crucial for a player of his profile.

The decision to keep Álvarez out could send a strong message to the team about the importance of defense. However, continued exclusion might make his position even less valuable. Instead, West Ham should consider including Álvarez on the bench to provide a backup option for Nuno. This move would allow the manager to protect leads, win second balls, and disrupt opponents' attacks while preserving Álvarez's value on the market.

If the midfielder remains sidelined, a January sale may become a more viable option, as long as West Ham can secure a reasonable fee to bolster their attacking options.