David Moyes is looking forward to welcoming Declan Rice back to the London Stadium as the Arsenal midfielder returns to his former club West Ham United in Wednesday's EFL Cup tie.
Rice made 245 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers and captained them to glory in last season's UEFA Europa Conference League before moving across London to Emirates Stadium this summer.
“Hopefully, he will be back." Moyes told the official club website. "This is the man that lifted the club’s first European trophy in 58 years. He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again. He was a brilliant member of the team, who led the team brilliantly well, conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham player and captain.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec. I’ve not seen him since he left. I’m not sure I want him to play, but I hope he’s there.
“If you look at the way he conducted himself throughout [the transfer to Arsenal], he was involved with the supporters, he was always seen helping the club when needed, and the most important thing was that he gave 100% in every game, even though we all knew he wouldn’t be staying at West Ham.
“All credit to him, for conducting himself so well. He deserves to be cheered just for that.”
Mikel Arteta expressed his thoughts on the matter and how highly Rice has spoke about the Hammers.
"I think it’s beautiful," He said to the club. "Every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot talk any higher, so hopefully they will be the same way towards him."
Their will be a host of Premier League teams playing in the EFL cup on Wednesday including:
Bournemouth v Liverpool
Chelsea v Blackburn
Everton v Burnley
Ipswich v Fulham
West Ham v Arsenal
Man Utd v Newcastle
Eddie Howe will have to manage his injury riddled squad as Newcastle visit Mn United in a repeat of last season's EFL cup final, “It’s not ideal for us, especially with the season we have." He told the official club website. "It’s a totally different feel to last season where we could maybe absorb those hits a bit easier with the week to week games.
"We’re not in that position now so we’re going to need everybody in the squad to step up which I think is the key message. Everyone has to give a bit more.
“I don’t think, for this game, we’re expecting anyone that wasn’t available before Wolves to be available now. The majority are longer-term unfortunately for us. That’s the position we’re in so we’ll be going with a very similar squad.
“(Sven) Botman is unclear at the moment so we’re going day-by-day with that one currently. Alex(Isak), we hope, will be back after the international break.”
