West Ham United playmaker Manuel Lanzini could return to first team action later this month, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source claims that the Argentine international, on a reported £70,000-per-week at the club [Source: Spotrac], is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
The 26-year-old was originally thought to be out until January after suffering a dislocated shoulder against Burnley last month, but he is thought to be making excellent progress.
Indeed, both he and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski are being tentatively pencilled in for a match day squad return against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day.
OPINION
This is phenomenal news for West Ham fans. Yes, Lanzini hasn’t looked his best in the early stages of this season, but he still provides the creativity that this team has desperately been lacking of late. Really, we want to see a West Ham team with Lanzini playing off Michail Antonio and Sebastien Haller up front together, so hopefully we get to witness that at some point over the festive period and into the New Year. Even in what was a relatively down start to the campaign, Lanzini has still provided his fair share of incisive moments. As per WhoScored.com, the South American has claimed two assists this term, while he is averaging 1.3 shots, 1.9 key passes and 2.5 successful dribbles per game. So there’s still been some tangible production from him and if he can get back and improve on his early season form then his return will be a massive boost for Manuel Pellegrini’s struggling side.
