West Ham Head of Medical services Gary Lewin has given an update on the physical condition of the players ahead of Sunday’s opening Premier League fixture.
The Hammers travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United without a number of their key players including Michail Antonio, Manuel Lanzini and Cheikhou Kouyate, however Lewin believes those players, amongst others, are making excellent progress and are not far from a return.
“Cheikhou Kouyate is at around the same level [as Andy Carroll] – he is now working very hard out on the pitches and is close to joining in full training, as is Manuel Lanzini, and we hope that both will be available again before the international break.” said Lewin speaking on the club’s official website.
“Michail Antonio is also getting very close. He has trained all week with the first team and is going to play on Friday night at Dagenham for the Under 23s against Everton.
“All being well, he will train fully again next week and be available to Slaven for selection. Again, we have had to be careful with Michail – he is an explosive and powerful player who relies heavily on his hamstring muscles – and so we need to progress him in the right way.”
Despite those absences, the former England physio also stated that there are players who are back to full fitness and be ready for the clash against United on Sunday.
“Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid played in the Under-23 match at Tottenham last weekend and both came through it fine. Diafra has now had a full week of training, which is very positive for him, and we can now start to look at getting him some match time.”
Lewin then added: “Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang, who both ended the season injured, have had a full pre-season and, although Mark missed a couple of days with a minor toe problem, they are both now fully fit and ready for the season.”
