West Ham defender Winston Reid is now predicted to return to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad after Christmas, according to Claret & Hugh.
The dedicated Hammers website claimed that it was bad news for the centre-back, who earns £70,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), compared to his teammate Andy Carroll as the forward was on course for a November return.
Claret & Hugh report that Reid suffered the knee injury, which is currently keeping him sidelined, in March during the 4-1 defeat courtesy of Swansea City.
The Hammers’ official website previously stated in July that the experienced defender was likely to be out for at least three months minimum but clearly that was being optimistic.
OPINION
West Ham could really do with Reid helping plug the club’s current leaky defence even though he couldn’t solve the problems last season. The 30-year-old has previously been vital to the Hammers’ cause, making 223 appearances for the club, but it seems injury is once again going to stop him delivering the goods. This update is more of a blow to Reid himself than Pellegrini’s side in some ways, even though they’re struggling, as he might find himself shipped out in January. If Reid is only set to return around the Christmas period than he might not have enough time to prove his talents to the Hammers and they may opt to cash in on him. This is likely to be a possible scenario just because Reid is getting no younger, on monster wages, and has had two injury ravaged seasons now. If there is anyone willing to pay a fee to take the defender off the Hammers books than it might be too good of a chance to turn down.
