Manuel Lanzini has been sidelined since January 20 with a hamstring injury.
West Ham United playmaker Manuel Lanzini has told the club’s website that he is to return to first-team training as he steps up his recovery from a niggling hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined since January 20 after being replaced in the 64th minute by Javier Hernandez during the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the London Stadium, after suffering the muscle problem.
The January signing of Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan has helped fill the void left by Argentina international Lanzini, but now the former River Plate technician is expected to return to training ahead of next Saturday’s Liverpool trip.
Lanzini put a timescale on when he expects to return to training before also stating his excitement to play alongside Euro 2016 winner Mario for the first time after suffering the injury before the Portuguese ace signed.
“I’m feeling good,” Lanzini said. “My injury is getting better every day and I’m expect to be back very soon. I’m training hard and I expect to go back with the team next week.
“It’s great that Marko [Arnautovic] is back now. He is a very good player and we need him. I’m also looking forward to playing with Joao Mario. He is an important player and together we have good qualities.”
Lanzini has been crucial to the Hammers side this season when fit, having a hand in 11 goals during his 20 league and cup appearances for the east Londoners. Scoring only three times, he has found it easier to create with eight assists.
Now, the attacking midfielder could return in time to face Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday, as the Hammers look to exact revenge on Jurgen Klopp’s side following the 4-1 loss in November that subsequently saw Slaven Bilic get the sack.
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