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The Sun recently reported that West Ham United midfielder Jack Wilshere could be ruled out for the remainder of the season if ankle surgery is required after his latest injury lay-off.

Despite having only arrived at the London Stadium as a free agent this summer, Manuel Pellegrini ought to already be weighing up replacement options for the 26-year-old midfielder as his fitness record suggests he cannot be relied upon.

What’s the word?

With Wilshere absent - as he so often is - the Hammers lack creativity and quality midfield depth. On his day, the former Arsenal man is near unplayable, however, those occasions are increasingly few and far between due to the 34-cap England international’s recurrent fitness woes.

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The Irons must identify a new playmaker who can come to the club in the upcoming January transfer window and offer Pellegrini a more reliable option.

Brighton’s Pascal Gross ought to be the east London outfit’s prime target to take up that role in the Chilean’s squad.

Just what West Ham need

The 27-year-old has been a revelation in the Premier League since he joined the Seagulls from Bundesliga outfit Ingolstadt in the summer of 2017.

Since his arrival, the German has racked up eight goals and eight assists in 47 Premier League games. He has become a talismanic figure in Chris Hughton’s side and a firm favourite amongst the Brighton faithful, but is now ready to step up to a greater challenge.

In Wilshere’s wake, Gross could prove to be just the creator that the Hammers are lacking.