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Potter on Bowen's fitness, Todibo and signing a striker

West Ham boss Graham Potter has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Potter says it is yet to be decided if Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville will be available on Sunday, stating: "Bowen has had one or two sessions and we still need to assess him. It's still early - we have another day so we'll see. It's important that we don't rush him in. It's the same with Crysencio [Summerville]."

  • Potter also confirmed Jean-Clair Todibo will not be available.

  • The French centre-back has been linked with a move to Juventus but Potter says he expects him to be at West Ham after the transfer window closes, stating: "At this time of year there's a lot of speculation but we just have to ignore the noise, help the players and keep working."

  • Potter was asked about recruiting a striker and said: "If we're in a position to do business, we'd like to. Our goalscoring in general is OK, but we'd like to do certain things better. We're a bit light but there are a lot of factors to consider."

  • On Mohammed Kudus filling that role: "We're in a situation where we lost a centre forward and other forwards. Mo has taken every challenge on in a good way. We've tried to use his physicality and it's worked in some ways, but I think he can play in lots of positions. If we can get the balance right, he's a top, top player."

  • He said it was "really good" to meet Michail Antonio, adding: "He's a top character and fantastic company. He's been through a really traumatic experience, so we have to support him, but he's around the place and putting smiles on faces."

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[BBC]