---
title: "Striker could make West Ham return against Chelsea"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2015/10/20/striker-make-west-ham-return-chelsea/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Kyle Dixon"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2015-10-20T09:50:19Z"
modified: "2015-10-20T09:50:19Z"
---

# Striker could make West Ham return against Chelsea

Enner Valencia is in contention to make his first appearance for West Ham since July, when the Hammers face Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea on Saturday, according to [Simeon Gholam of The Mail Online](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3280058/Enner-Valencia-contention-West-Ham-return-against-Chelsea-striker-returns-injury-score-21s.html).

The striker was stretchered off with an ankle injury in the Europa League play-off draw with Astra Giurgiu before the start of the league season and was an unused substitute during Saturday’s 3-1 win at Crystal Palace.

In an Under-21’s game last night, Valencia got a goal as the youth side hammered Wolves in a one-sided 4-0 victory. Also in action for the U21 side were misfit signing Pedro Obiang and teenage star Reece Oxford, who captained the side.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was happy to have Valencia on the bench at Selhurst Park and went on to say:

> Valencia has been out since late July, it was a long break but he is back and it’s a great thing for us.
>
> He’s one of our biggest weapons on the pitch. He’s looking sharp and very good. Now it is just a matter of fitness and slowly getting him in shape to be fit.

West Ham will be without the impressive Victor Moses, who is ineligible to play against his parent club and his absence has created an opportunity for Valencia to possibly slot into the starting line-up.

The Ecuadorian international scored five goals in his debut season and fans will be excited to see him link up with new playmaker Dimitri Payet, as well as Moses and Michail Antonio.