Dimitri Payet could return for West Ham against Liverpool
Wednesday 23 December 2015 12:36, UK
West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet could return for the home game with Liverpool on January 2, manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed.
The France international played a key role in the club's impressive start to the season, scoring five goals in 12 Premier League matches before injuring his ankle in the 1-1 draw with Everton on November 7.
Payet was expected to be ruled out for around three months but now looks likely to be back in action earlier than expected.
That would offer a welcome boost to Bilic, whose side have not won in the five matches Payet has missed, drawing their last three matches 0-0 in the process.
"It is good news that Dimitri Payet is ahead of schedule. He should train with us after Villa and is with the fitness coaches now," Bilic said ahead of their Boxing Day game with bottom club Aston Villa.
"He might be involved in the Liverpool game, which would be a big boost.
"At the beginning we thought he would be back in February but he is way ahead of schedule and it is not that bad.
"His ankle is very good - it is stable - so it is great news if it goes like this."
Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini is also expected to return to action over the Christmas period, after he injured his thigh in training ahead of the goalless draw with Manchester United.
"Manuel Lanzini is progressing and will probably be available for the Southampton game [on December 28]," he added.
"It looks like it will be the same squad as against Swansea for Villa, but we should have one or two back for Southampton."
As for Boxing Day opponents Villa, Bilic insists they should not be taken lightly, despite their perilous position in the league table.
"I saw their last few games and against Newcastle they had a really good game, especially after they equalised," said Bilic of Villa's 1-1 draw at St James' Park.
"For 20 minutes they were much better and I have seen the energy, seen their quality and they are fighting for their lives.
"But they have confidence now because they have one point from an away game. They are at home against us and they look forward to that game.
"So, make no mistake I am not expecting anything easier than against Swansea, Stoke or Manchester United. They have some quality players who can harm you."
