Nuno on Pablo injury, Premier League sackings and Traore progress

ByFlora Snelson
BBC Sport journalist
  • Published

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium (kick-off 12:15 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Pablo is injured and "he'll be out for a while, we don't know exactly how long".

  • With the exceptions of Pablo and Jean-Clair Todibo - who is suspended - all players are available for the cup tie.

  • On the impact of their improved performances: "What happened ignited the atmosphere at the London Stadium, our home, we can feel it. The place gives and the fans give back in a huge way for us."

  • On the sackings of Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche: "This is what the industry is all about, unfortunately for my fellow colleagues. They will get back in the game soon."

  • On giving up a lead against Man Utd: "It was a tough one to take. But we performed really well against a very good team."

  • On their FA Cup hopes: "It's a beautiful competition. We're going to compete, we're going to try and go through."

  • On team selection for Burton: "The cup is always a good chance to give minutes to players who don't get many, for them to improve - we will need them further ahead."

  • Nuno confirmed that Alphonse Areola will play against Burton.

  • On Adama Traore: "He has a lot of things to improve, having been out of competition for a while, but he's putting all that he can into training sessions. We need him to get back to his best."

You can listen to full commentary of Burton v West Ham on BBC Radio Five Live on Saturday