Zouma removed from West Ham lineup at Leicester after feeling 'unwell' during warm-ups

Kurt Zouma was withdrawn from West Ham's lineup for their Premier League clash with Leicester City on Sunday after he felt "unwell" during the warm-up, amid the continued fallout of footage capturing him abusing one of his pet cats.

The defender was seen to have slapped and kicked the animal on video that gained circulation before Tuesday's match with Watford, with David Moyes still starting the 27-year-old in that game amid widespread furore.

Zouma was named in the starting XI for the Hammers' trip to the King Power Stadium, only to pull out of the team at short notice.

News broke that Zouma had been removed from Moyes' matchday squad at short notice when the club issued a short message on social media less than a quarter-hour before kick-off.

"Issa Diop will replace Kurt Zouma in the starting XI, as he is unwell," West Ham wrote. "Darren Randolph is added to the substitutes' bench."

Issa Diop will replace Kurt Zouma in the starting XI, as he is unwell.

Darren Randolph is added to the substitutes' bench.#LEIWHU https://t.co/zxKoSa5094

After the game ended in a 2-2 draw, Moyes told Sky Sports: "[Zouma] was ill before the game, wanted to play, we wanted him to play as well. He was sick during the night, he stayed away from the players and did not eat much.

"Once he got out [for warm-ups] he did not think it was possible. We told Issa Diop to be ready. It is a stomach bug, probably something he has eaten."

Moyes' choice to field Zouma - despite condemning the player's actions - has sparked significant fallout around London Stadium, with suspended sponsorship deals for both player and club.

Moyes has spoken of handing the former Chelsea man "a second chance" following his actions while the RSPCA - who took custody of