Confirmed: When West Ham can sign emergency goalkeeper after Areola injury

West Ham United could be permitted to sign an emergency loan goalkeeper under EFL regulations if Alphonse Areola's injury keeps him sidelined and Mads Hermansen becomes unavailable during the international break. Scott Parker's side faces Preston on November 21, and the club is waiting on the severity of Areola's injury while monitoring Hermansen's fitness during Denmark's upcoming matches against Portugal and Norway.

EFL rules allow an emergency seven-day loan only if all senior professional goalkeepers are certified unavailable, requiring independent medical proof. Paperwork must be submitted to the league at least three hours prior to kickoff on matchdays. Additionally, any emergency goalkeeper signed under the provision must be named directly in the starting XI rather than serving as bench cover.