Former West Ham defender Neil Ruddock is backing Jean Clair Todibo to overcome his “difficult start” at the London Stadium.

Fitness and form have both been an issue since the Frenchman’s arrival from Nice during the summer transfer window and, speaking 10bet, Ruddock said it hasn’t helped Todibo that the Hammers have been struggling:

“I’m confident that Jean Clair Todibo will come good. He joined the club with great pedigree, Manchester United wanted to sign him in the summer, and he joined with a big reputation. He’s had a difficult start, but he’s not the only West Ham player that has underperformed this season.”

“I think it’s a confidence thing with Jean Clair Todibo. If you’re playing in a team that’s winning and is confident, you’re performance looks more accomplished and assured. You just go out and you know you’re going to play well.”

“That hasn’t happened at West Ham too often this season, and when the players around you aren’t playing that well, you’re confidence drops even further and get a few rumbles in the crowd. That has got to be tough for somebody coming to a new team.”

“I’m sure it’ll be all right. Time will tell. It’s a tough division to play in. You can’t just rely on your ability as a player, you’ve got to work hard, you’ve got to work for the team, you’ve got to do the ugly stuff well as well. It’s tough coming here from France, but I’m sure he and West Ham will be alright, just give them time.”

Todibo is almost certain to join West Ham on a permanent basis

The 24-year-old joined the Irons on an initial loan deal back in August but there are conditions that mean the move will likely become permanent.

Reliable reports suggest that there are two criteria that need to be met for the £33m switch to go ahead next summer. Todibo has to play a minimum of 5 league games (which he has done already), while West Ham must not be relegated.

He picked up an injury against Newcastle

Todibo did not begin the campaign in the first team due to the fact that he didn’t have a pre-season. He had to wait until the 1-1 draw against Brentford in late September before he made his first league start.

It appears as if the centre-back suffered another fitness setback on Monday night after he was forced off in the second half of the 2-0 win over Newcastle. He is now a doubt for this weekend’s fixture against Arsenal.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here