West Ham injury returns: Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini recoveries 'a major boost', says Hammers chief

Returning: Lanzini is expected to return to the team during the Christmas period
(Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Ken Dyer15 December 2015

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan says he has received the perfect pre-Christmas boost with the news that two of the club’s injured stars could soon be back in action.

Sullivan was impressed with the way Slaven Bilic’s injury-hit team battled to a 0-0 draw against in-form Stoke at the weekend but is looking forward to welcoming back offensive players Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet.

“I thought the whole team were impressive against Stoke and it is just a matter of time before our luck turns,” said Sullivan.

“Just like the game against Manchester United, we could have easily had all three points and I am sure that Slaven would have been pleased with the effort that the players have shown in recent weeks. It was very pleasing to see Enner Valencia back on the pitch in the second half. Manuel Lanzini is also close to making a return and I know that Dimitri is ahead of schedule so that is a major boost for everyone.”

Every injured West Ham player

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Argentine star Lanzini, who has been suffering from a thigh injury, could return for Sunday’s Premier League encounter at Swansea while Bilic believes Payet, who has an ankle injury, could be back in three weeks.

Bilic’s squad trained for the first time at their alternative headquarters at Rush Green yesterday. The manager believes the pitches at the old training ground could be to blame for the club’s injury problems.

Captain Mark Noble said: “It’s different as I have been going to Chadwell Heath for the last 12 years. We’re training at Rush Green, though, so we can look after the pitches a little bit at Chadwell. The facilities here are great.”

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