Jake Hastings , Football reporter
Tomáš Souček has confirmed he will be staying at West Ham for the upcoming season, only days after suffering a serious ankle injury at the World Cup.
Following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League, there has been uncertainty regarding players' futures, but the Czechia international has become one of the first to announce he will remain at the club.
Souček suffered ligament damage to his left ankle during Czechia's final group-stage match against Mexico on Thursday in Mexico City.
West Ham's Performance Director, Richard Collinge, said in a club statement: "Tomáš will return to London later this week for further evaluation and assessment on his ankle before a final decision is made on the best form of injury management, with the aim of returning to action as soon as possible."
The 31-year-old has been at West Ham since 2020 and has become a fan favourite for the desire and heart he shows on the pitch. Playing 271 times and scoring 44 times during those six years, injuries have not been something you would associate with Souček.
Following the injury, Souček took to social media to address West Ham's and Czechia's performances, which have been equally disappointing, with West Ham being relegated and his national side failing to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.
In his statement, it read: "This isn't how I imagined ending the season. Not with West Ham. Not with the Czech Republic. And certainly not with an injury.
"I'm sorry we couldn't give our fans the moments and results you deserved. That hurts me more than anything.
"For 12 years as a professional, I've been lucky enough to avoid a serious injury. Now I have to face a challenge I haven't faced before. But everyone who knows me knows one thing. I never give up!
"This injury doesn't change my mindset. If anything, it makes me even more determined. I'll use these next few weeks/months to work, recover and come back stronger. As a player, as a teammate and as a person."
In the same statement, the midfielder confirmed that he is 'ready to do everything' to bring West Ham back to the Premier League.
"Since the season ended, I've only had one thing on my mind. West Ham United. This club means so much to me, and I'm ready to do everything I can in helping get it back to where it belongs, the English Premier League.
"For the immediate future, I'll support the boys off the pitch whilst I rehabilitate. Then once back, I'll give everything I have on the pitch, fighting alongside the boys once again."
While Souček's injury is a significant setback for West Ham, his commitment provides a major boost as the club prepares for life in the Championship.
For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.
