West Ham have received a boost with the news that an ankle injury James Collins suffered in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion is not as serious as was initially feared, while Mark Noble has been passed fit to play.
Wales international Collins, 34, went off during the second half at The Hawthorns and left the stadium on crutches.
It was feared he faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but a scan has revealed just a sprain and Collins is likely to be available in two to three weeks.
West Ham’s head of medical Gary Lewin told the club website: “It’s good news for James in the sense that it is not long-term or as serious as it perhaps looked at the time.
“He is the type of player who will run through brick walls for you and will be desperate to get back as quickly as he can, but we will manage him very carefully and ensure he returns when the time is right.”
Lewin also revealed that captain Mark Noble has recovered from a minor knee problem and Edimilson Fernandes and Manuel Lanzini are both making good progress with their respective injuries.
“Mark has returned to full training and is available for selection,” he said.
“Edimilson is progressing well following the ankle sprain he suffered on international duty with Switzerland and should resume full training in the next few days.
“Manuel Lanzini is a bit further away but still on schedule in terms of his rehabilitation from the knee injury that he irritated up at Newcastle last month.
“He is back on the training pitches and working hard, and we are looking at him being available again after the next international break.”