David Moyes explains why Kurt Zouma pulled out of West Ham’s starting XI to face Leicester

David Moyes says Kurt Zouma was unable to play a part in West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Leicester as he had been struggling with ‘gastro problems’ ahead of kick-off.

Zouma was named in West Ham’s starting XI for a second game running, despite the emergence of a video showing the defender physically abusing his pet cat prior to the side’s previous 1-0 win over Watford.

The 27-year-old has been fined £250,000 and had his two cats seized by the RSPCA as a consequence of the disturbing footage, with the Hammers widely criticised for their handling of the situation.

But the story took another twist this afternoon as Zouma told West Ham’s medical staff he could not face Leicester while warming up for the clash and Issa Diap came in to replace the France international at the King Power Stadium.

A late Craig Dawson header saw the Irons rescue an important point away from home, but the confusion surrounding Zouma’s selection – and subsequent withdrawal – was the major talking point as Moyes addressed the media after the game.

Asked what had happened with the Frenchman, Moyes told Sky Sports: ‘He was ill before the game, but he wanted to play and we wanted him to play as well.

‘We were aware of it, he was up and sick during the night, so we hoped that he would be okay.

‘He didn’t eat much and he stayed away from the players in the meetings and he stayed away from them as well at the pre-match meal.

‘But once he got out he just didn’t think it was possible. We had already told Issa Diop to be ready as there was a chance he [Zouma] might not be able to play.’

Asked whether he had any idea what had caused Zouma’s illness, Moyes replied: ‘No I don’t, but I’m guessing it’s a stomach bug… we think.

‘It’s probably something he’s eaten.’

Moyes later