The Hammers are expecting to welcome an attacking star back this weekend.
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has told the club’s official website that it will be like being able to field a new signing when Diafra Sakho returns from injury this weekend.
Sakho has failed to make a single appearance so far this season for the Irons after suffering an injury in pre-season, the latest in a string of issues which have affected the striker’s fitness in recent times.
However, he is expected to be fit enough to play some part as Slaven Bilic’s side take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Though he is not the most prolific of forwards, and is a man who splits opinion amongst Hammers supporters, his return will be a welcome relief for most.
That is not least because West Ham are the unfortunate victims of a remarkable statistic so far this term; none of their five main forwards other than Sakho have scored a single goal, despite making 35 appearances in total between them in all competitions.
Gold is certainly looking forward to the Senegalese star’s return, and suggested that it will be like having a new signing make his debut if Bilic is able to call upon the 26-year-old.
The co-chairman told the club’s website: “A lot of our players are now back from injury and we will be able to name a very strong team for the game at White Hart Lane.
“Having Diafra Sakho back in the squad is a big boost for everyone. Diafra is a fans’ favourite and has scored some crucial goals for the club. He has energy and pace and I know Slaven has said it will feel like having a new signing back in the team so we are all excited to see him back in action.
“Diafra has come back from a long-term injury and I want to pay tribute to the club’s medical team who have worked so hard to get him back to full fitness. It will be a great lift for all the other players to see him back in the dressing room before the game.”
Sakho has a fairly reasonable goalscoring record so far in his time in East London, having found the net 19 times in his 50 appearances.
West Ham fans will be desperately hoping that he can succeed where Simone Zaza and co. have failed and start hitting the net on a regular basis.
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