Poyet: West Ham hurt by Carroll absence
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet believes West Ham United are struggling due to Andy Carroll's absence.
With Carroll still unfit – his absence is widely considered to be the main reason West Ham are hovering above the bottom three – Poyet believes Sunderland could be facing The Hammers at the right time due to the injury to their star man.
"I am sure if you play Barcelona it is better if Messi doesn’t play," Poyet said. "I am sure if you play Real Madrid, it is better if Ronaldo doesn’t play.
"They are important players but it is an opportunity for other players who come in who are Premier League players and I am sure who comes in will give 100 per cent.
"On paper it will be better for us (that Andy Carroll is injured) but you need to play the game because they are Premier League players.
"You must win every game but the problem is when you are bottom and playing a team near the bottom it is called a must-win game. And we have to make sure we win this one."