West Ham duo Ryan Fredericks and Reece Oxford made a return to action in a behind closed doors friendly against Gillingham on Tuesday afternoon, according to Football.London.
Frederick has not featured since November 10th after being sidelined with a fibula injury in a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town.
The full-back managed to get 45 minutes under his belt in the 2-1 win for a Hammers side predominately comprised of U23s.
It is understood that he could be in contention for a start against Wimbledon in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Oxford also featured in the game, having missed the past three weeks of training.
OPINION
The return of Fredericks in particular will be a boost to Manuel Pellegrini, with the right-back providing decent competition for veteran Pablo Zabaleta. The 26-year-old offers a more mobile and attacking option in defence, and it would be no surprise if he was to feature against Wimbledon in the FA Cup this weekend. Oxford will be less impactful for the Chilean, with the youngster’s future still hanging in balance at the London Stadium. It wouldn’t be a shock if he were to move on this January, although talk of any such move has quietened during his injury absence. There is still time, however, and now that he is back in contention, it could attract potential suitors. For now, however, Fredericks will be Pellegrini’s main priority, and reintegrating him back into the first team could well be received like a new signing for the second half of a potentially massive season.
