West Ham squad struck down with sickness before Fulham battering after bug swept through camp

WEST HAM’s squad were struck down with a sickness bug ahead of their 5-0 defeat to Fulham.

AFPDavid Moyes’ side are said to have come down with a stomach bug before their game against Fulham[/caption]

AFPFulham won the clash 5-0 on Sunday[/caption]

GettyPablo Fornals is said to have started the match despite being among the worst impacted by it[/caption]

However, it has now been revealed that David Moyes‘ side came down with a bout of illness before the game.

According to The Athletic, several players and staff members – including boss Moyes – were affected by the bug.

Pablo Fornals started the clash despite being one of the worst impacted by the illness.

Edson Alvarez and Emerson Palmieri both missed the game due to the illness.

Alphonse Areola was also absent, though this was down to a wrist injury.

On the humbling defeat, Moyes said: “I’m embarrassed for the result and the performance, and we’re sorry to the supporters for it.

“There were a wee bit of mitigating circumstances – I think the midweek took a huge amount out of us.

“Playing Thursday and Sunday in two Premier League games, compared to [Fulham playing on] Wednesday and Sunday makes a big, big difference.

“We’ve had quite a bit of illness in the camp over the last few days and that’s not helped.”

Moyes will be hoping the sickness dissipates in time for West Ham’s Thursday game against Freiburg in the Europa League.

West Ham can secure top spot in the group with a win over the German outfit.

Goals from Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd saw West Ham beat Freiburg in the reverse fixture on matchday two.

Fulham were a class apart against West Ham