Alex Song has made his return to football in a behind closed doors friendly against Crystal Palace.
Song played 70 minutes in a match that West Ham won 1-0 thanks to a late headed goal from youngster Jaanai Gordon. A number of first team players also made appearances including Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Cresswell, Mauro Zarate, James Tomkins and out of favour winger Michail Antonio.
The return of Alex Song, who has been out with injury ever since joining on loan from Barcelona on deadline day, is fantastic news for West Ham fans. Song has undoubted quality and was the source of West Ham’s best play last season, particularly in the first half.
Assuming there are no further complications, Song will now be in contention to play against rivals Tottenham Hotspur in just over a weeks time. This news comes just days after the star of West Ham’s season so far, Dimitri Payet, was ruled out for three months with injury.
Alex Song should be able to provide the creativity that Payet brought to the side. The Cameroonian created 28 chances in 28 games last season for the Hammers.
Another positive to take out of the friendly was that Michail Antonio played and was described as ‘lively’. Will Antonio have done enough to be given a chance at West Ham?
