Friday 5 August 2016 09:03, UK
Slaven Bilic says West Ham urgently need new players after the club moved a step closer to the Europa League group stage - and he admitted he may yet be forced to use Diafra Sakho.
The Hammers beat NK Domzale in their first ever match at the London Stadium to secure a play-off clash, and Bilic's side could therefore play five games before the end of the month.
Bilic is still without Euro 2016 stars Dimitri Payet, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna, while several key players face injury lay-offs, and he admits his side's start to the Premier League could be hampered.
"I have no problems saying that playing in the Europa League lowers your chances in the Premier League," Bilic said.
"It doesn't matter, we want to try. It brings positive things. You gain something, you lose something.
"Basically we have five games before the September international break and this squad is not big enough. Hopefully we will have a minimum of five players to add to this squad."
Sakho's potential move to West Brom collapsed on Thursday after he failed a medical and, although Bilic admitted he was "surprised", he suggested he wants the player to be an asset for them.
"I don't know any details. He's our player, he's contracted to us, and could be a great player. That's all I can say about it.
"I am a bit sorry for him and a bit surprised that he didn't pass the medical. He's a good player, he's our player and as long as he is our player he is very capable. He's a quality player."
