Aaron Cresswell could feature v Chelsea after unexpected injury twist
Aaron Cresswell could play against Chelsea but the West Ham physio team will have to give him a late fitness test on Saturday.
The left-back missed the Newcastle match but he is “getting closer” to full fitness according to David Moyes, via injury analyst Ben Dinnery.
Jesse Lingard is expected to be available after only suffering cramp last time out, with the Hammers likely to maintain the same matchday squad from last week.
Moyes confirmed another unnamed star is approaching full fitness but he could not guarantee their availability ahead of the Chelsea clash.
Great news
We missed Cresswell last time out as he has been brilliant this season and provides the experience we really could have benefitted from late on.
West Ham equalised with not long to play but threw away a point after Ben Johnson lost his concentration and allowed Joe Willock to beat him for the headed winner.
Cresswell’s return would solidify a back four that is down to bare bones, while also offering us a threat in attack through his set-pieces.
Johnson did well against Newcastle considering the circumstances but he is weaker than Cresswell in carrying the ball forward and supplying crosses.
Chelsea are solid at the back but have not really been tested from dead ball situations – Cresswell is capable of putting them under pressure.
Alan Shearer called Cresswell “fantastic” [BBC, Feb 9 via Hammers News] a couple of months ago and we are really hoping the 31-year-old passes a late fitness test and plays in what is a huge clash for both teams.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sign an ‘unbelievable’ speed demon who is available for transfer.
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