West Ham United manager David Moyes has revealed that winger Andriy Yarmolenko has returned to training and we feel that his return could be crucial to the team’s survival hopes.
The Hammers recently leapt out of the Premier League’s relegation zone after beating Southampton 3-1 at the London Stadium.
As reported on the club’s official website, Yarmolenko last featured for the Hammers against Southampton on December 14th and has since been absent with a thigh problem.
Speaking in his pre-Arsenal press conference, Moyes said:
Yarmolenko’s back training, so we’re very close to getting everybody back fit.
Andriy’s not available this weekend, he’s only just started training.
We believe his return could be key in helping the team avoid relegation. Why?
Firstly, because it gives Moyes more attacking options.
The Hammers signed Jarrod Bowen in January and having Yarmolenko back will give them more firepower in attack, which could be exactly what they need to win enough games to stay up.
Secondly, Yarmolenko brings quality.
In his 15 league appearances this season before the injury, the Ukraine international scored three and registered one assist (Transfermarkt), proving that whilst he’s not a prolific goalscorer, he does have the ability to find the back of the net.
We believe that if Yarmolenko can return with a spring in his step, that could lift the entire West Ham team and give them a boost in their fight for survival.
