Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo says Adama Traore has been banned from lifting weights at West Ham United’s training ground in Rush Green.
The ban is due to Traore’s muscular frame, which Nuno described as “incredible”. The 30-year-old winger joined West Ham from Fulham on a permanent deal in the January transfer window. Traore previously worked with Nuno between 2018 and 2021 at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Before last Saturday’s 5-2 defeat at Liverpool, attacker Crysencio Summerville posted a video on social media of Traore sitting on a weight bench. The eight-time Spain international denied using it and Nuno hopes that remains the case.
“It’s incredible (his muscles), it’s genetics”, said the 52-year-old Portuguese at Monday’s pre-match press conference. “His genetics has been like this for some time now and he should avoid the gym. I’ve told him to stay out of the gym. It’s one of the things that I think he needs to realise. It’s enough weight that he carries. He’ll do prevention work (in the gym), but he’s not in there lifting weights.
“For example, Airidas Golambeckis (an 18-year-old defender in the U21s) he spends hours in the gym. We have to get weight on him! He’s the one that needs some muscle. It’s the other way around.”
Traore, who made 15 appearances for Fulham this season, is yet to start a Premier League game for West Ham. He was one of five January arrivals, following the additions of Pablo Felipe, Taty Castellanos, Axel Disasi and Keiber Lamadrid. Felipe — who is sidelined with a calf injury — Castellanos and Disasi have all had a positive impact.
But Traore has been limited to substitute appearances against Chelsea, Burnley, Manchester United and Liverpool. His sole start was in the fourth-round extra-time FA Cup victory over League One side Burton Albion. Despite his lack of involvement, Nuno is pleased with how the Spaniard has settled.
“You have to realise the players that are not involved are hugely important for us in terms of preparation and options for the game itself,” Nuno added. “Traore’s unique. There’s not many players in world football with his ability, pace and skills in 1v1 situations.
“He’s a talent that we have to take advantage of, but it will take time. He has to adapt. He has to understand many things inside of the dynamic of the team. But he’s proven, not only at Wolves, he’s proven in England in the Spain squad not long ago. So we’re talking about a high-level player.
“I think the squad has accepted him really well. He has brought new energy to us. We’ve been trying every day to help him. But of course ahead of him he has two players at the top of their game (in club captain Jarrod) Bowen and Summerville. Traore’s patient enough to realise his chance will come.”
