Having already seen long-term absentee Manuel Lanzini return to the fold after over six months out with an ACL injury, West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini will be further boosted by the news that New Zealand international Winston Reid has returned to light training.
The club confirmed his return by tweeting a picture of the defender training alongside the rest of the squad.
We see you @WinstonReid2 ? pic.twitter.com/0ArUUgj7Qy
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) February 25, 2019
Fellow central defender Fabian Balbuena is also close to making his comeback from injury and with three crucial games against Newcastle, Cardiff and Huddersfield to come over the next month or so, more reinforcements are needed if the Hammers are to stake a claim for the top half of the Premier League table.
Reid’s absence has seen Issa Drop and the aforementioned Balbuena forge a solid partnership at the back, and as a result, the 30-year-old may find it difficult to return straight to the starting line-up.
Italy international Angelo Ogbonna, will, however, be casting his eye on to the possibility of a move in the summer having already been in and out of the side under Pellegrini this season.
Reid, who joined West Ham in 2010, will only intensify speculation on Ogbonna’s future at the club, and should he return to the imperious form he displayed prior to his injury then the 13-cap Italian’s departure will surely be imminent.
