West Ham manager Slaven Bilic could be handed a timely injury boost ahead of a must win EFL Cup tie against Chelsea – as Andre Ayew looks set to return to the Hammers’ squad for the first time since he injured his thigh against Chelsea, on the first day of the season.
The £20 million summer signing is said to have returned to training this week – and alongside Aaron Cresswell, who has returned from the suspension he incurred at Crystal Palace, Ayew will be vying for a start against a reinvigorated Chelsea side.
Having seen Chelsea dismantle Jose Mourinho’s star-studded Manchester United side last Sunday, Bilic has said that he will field a strong side for tomorrow’s fiery London derby :
He said: “It’s not Wednesday-Saturday, we play Everton on Sunday. So we are going to play a very strong team and try and get through.
“If you go through because some big teams will have left, you may have an easier game and then you’re nearly there.
“It’s a one-off London derby cup game. Five or 10 years ago clubs weren’t so keen on this cup but now it’s important.”
Extra security will also be on hand to try and restrain what could well be a passionate but ultimately momentous occasion for West Ham at their new home in Stratford.
