West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is poised to return to action in tomorrow’s London derby at home to Tottenham.
Sakho has been out for three months with a thigh injury but Slaven Bilic confirmed this morning the Senegal international is in with a chance of facing the title challengers.
“Diafra has been training well,” said the West Ham manager. “We are going to decide finally today but he could well be in the squad.”
Bilic also has a decision to make over Andy Carroll. Since returning from a hamstring injury at the start of last month, the striker has been used solely off the bench and Bilic could stick with that tactic against Spurs.
“Andy is fit and training hard but has been doing well for us towards the ends of games,” said Bilic. “It is a difficult decision.”
West Ham will be without striker Enner Valencia and centre-half Winston Reid, who are both injured, as well as full-back Sam Byram, who starts a two-match ban.
Midfielder Michail Antonio is likely to move to right-back to fill in for Byram and Bilic said: “Michail had to wait for his chance [since joining in September] but has been the perfect example of a good professional.
“He didn’t moan, he continued to work hard and is always willing to learn. Since he has come in he has impressed a lot with his pace and energy and has become a player of major importance.”
Bilic also had a message for the West Ham fans before the match with Spurs in light of problems involving the two sets of supporters in recent years.
“This is a big match for both clubs and I hope our fans enjoy the game and support the club in a positive way,” he said. “I hope they are ambassadors and that they show that we are a great club and a polite club.”
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Tottenham could go top of the Premier League if they win at Upton Park but West Ham are unbeaten at home since August and have conceded just five goals in their last eight games.
Bilic said: “Those statistics are good because it proves we are doing well.”
