Brad White

Tue 8 December 2020 17:00, UK

David Moyes has provided a positive update on Andriy Yarmolenko after the West Ham winger contracted COVID-19 in November.

The Ukrainian has missed the Hammers’ last three games but he could feature against Leeds United on Friday night.

Following the 3-1 loss to Manchester United last weekend, Yarmolenko’s return could serve as a timely boost to Moyes and his players.

Football.London quote Moyes as saying, “We are not sure how quickly he [Yarmolenko] can fully recover, some are quick and some are longer but the good news is he is back, he’s fit, he’s healthy.”

The 31-year-old’s return provides Moyes with a selection headache ahead of his side’s clash against Leeds with several quality players all vying for a starting place.

Yarmolenko, Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma could all be available for Friday’s game and with only two likely to start, Moyes has a decision to make.

After Fornals thoroughly underwhelmed against Manchester United last weekend it would be no shock if Benrahma was given his first West Ham start against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

The Algerian has already shown his quality despite only playing 78 minutes for the Irons since his summer move from Brentford.

Benrahma has contributed to 20% of West Ham’s Premier League goals this season with his two assists so far and he deserves to be given a start against Leeds.

It is unknown how fit Yarmolenko is but he could be a game-changing option on the bench for Moyes. His super-sub credentials were shown in July when the 31-year-old came off the bench to score against Chelsea and secure a win that helped to keep the Hammers in the Premier League.

Yarmolenko may also have something to prove after failing to register a goal or assist in his five league outings this term, having him back available should give Moyes a significant boost ahead of Friday’s game.

In other West Ham news, Declan Rice showed his class with his brilliant individual performance against Manchester United.