Reid expected to return to action next week – but what is his squad status?

Winston Reid hasn’t played a competitive game for West Ham United since March 2018, but his return looks to be just around the corner.

The 31-year-old damaged his knee after being knocked out in a 4-1 defeat at Swansea City and, despite having surgery, has suffered a few setbacks in his recovery.

According to reports though, Reid is ready to make his return next Tuesday when the West Ham Under-23s face Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy.

Since he last played, West Ham have signed Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena and Goncalo Cardoso, so where exactly does he fit into Manuel Pellegrini’s squad?

Read West Ham’s verdict

After missing 53 games in total since his injury, and not featuring once last season, it’s great to see that Reid’s back in condition to get back onto the pitch.

He’s fallen down the pecking order since he was last a regular for the Hammers though, with arguably three other centre-backs ahead of him.

Cardoso is also one for the future and could very easily surpass Reid if he impresses Pellegrini.

It’s likely the Kiwi defender will be content with sitting back in a more senior role whilst he’s at the London Stadium though, letting the likes of Diop and Angelo Ogbonna continue to catch the eye.