MX23RW : Thursday, December 20 22:38:39

Arnautovic return imminent for West Ham

Arnautovic return imminent for West Ham
© Reuters
Austrian forward has not featured since December 4.

West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic could be back in training next week.

The five-goal Austrian suffered a hamstring injury against Cardiff on December 4 and was expected to be sidelined until well into the new year.

But boss Manuel Pellegrini revealed Arnautovic is ahead of schedule, meaning he could even be involved in the squad against Southampton on December 27 and Burnley three days later.

“We will need to see his last examination, but I think that next week he will start working with the team,” said Pellegrini.

The outlook is less optimistic for injury-plagued Jack Wilshere, who has played just five minutes since September due to two separate ankle problems.

“We don’t know (when he will be back), we will need to wait for the medical assessment but for this moment, we cannot be sure,” said Pellegrini.

The Chilean boss still expects to complete the signing of Samir Nasri on January 1.

The former Manchester City midfielder, a handy replacement for Wilshere if he is ruled out long term, is building up his fitness following an 18-month ban.

Press Association Sport also understands West Ham are exploring the prospect of signing ex-Cardiff midfielder Gary Medel from Besiktas, although Pellegrini remained tight-lipped.

“Those names may be one of 25 names that have been said recently, and it is always the same answer, I do not talk about rumours, I am happy with the squad,” he said.

“I know that we need to replace players that probably will not play much more this season like (Andriy) Yarmolenko, (Carlos) Sanchez, (Manuel) Lanzini, so we are calm, we will decide not now what we are going to do but we will decide.”

West Ham host Watford on Saturday looking to make it five Premier League wins on the trot for the first time since 2006.

“The most important thing is to be in the top six at the end of the season,” said Pellegrini.

“There are still 21 games to go. We are in a good moment now so we must try to take it game by game and add points.”


Click here for more stories about Marko Arnautovic

Click here for more stories about West Ham United

Share this article now:

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1714303773045
2Manchester CityMan City17142148103844
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs17130431161539
4Chelsea17114235142137
5Arsenal17104337231434
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd177552929026
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves177461919025
8Everton176652422224
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham177372525024
10Watford177372325-224
11Bournemouth177282528-323
12Leicester CityLeicester176472121022
13Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176382024-421
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle174491422-816
15Crystal Palace1743101423-915
16Cardiff CityCardiff1742111733-1614
17Southampton172691632-1612
18Burnley1733111533-1812
19Huddersfield TownHuddersfield1724111028-1810
20Fulham1723121642-269

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account