Adama Traoré has been banned from lifting weights at the training ground by Nuno Espírito Santo, who says the winger already “carries enough weight”.
The 30-year-old’s muscular build has long attracted attention, with Nuno describing his physique as “incredible” but insisting the player should now avoid additional strength work in the gym.
“It’s incredible, it’s genetics,” Nuno said at a news conference before Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Fulham.
“His genetics have been like this for some time now, and he should avoid the gym.
“I’ve told him to stay out of the gym. It’s one of the things that I think he needs to realise. It’s enough weight that he carries.
“He’ll do prevention work, but he’s not in there lifting weights.”
Traore, who has made 266 Premier League appearances, previously claimed he did not lift weights.
However, team-mate Crysencio Summerville posted a video on social media last week showing him bench-pressing 145kg at the club’s Rush Green training ground.
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Nuno contrasted Traore’s situation with that of Under-21s defender Airidas Golambeckis, who he said needs to build muscle.
“For example, Airidas spends hours in the gym – we have to get weight on him. He’s the one that needs some muscle, it’s the other way around,” Nuno added.
Traore joined West Ham United in January from Fulham in a deal worth up to £2m, having made 20 appearances across all competitions earlier this season.
Since the move, he has been limited to four substitute appearances in the Premier League, with his only start coming in the FA Cup fourth-round victory over Burton Albion.
Nuno, who previously coached Traore at Wolverhampton Wanderers, said the winger’s opportunity would come as West Ham fights to secure their top-flight status.
“Traore’s unique. There are not many players in world football with his ability, pace, and skills in one-on-one situations,” he said.
“He’s a talent that we have to take advantage of, but it will take time. He has to adapt and understand the dynamic of the team.
“But he’s proven in England and with the Spain squad not long ago, so we’re talking about a high-level player.”
