‘Chicharito should be OK for Brighton clash’ - Bilic

BIlic in his pre-Brighton Press-conference

First team manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Chicharito should be fine to feature in West Ham United’s Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday.

Chicharito missed training on Wednesday due to a tight feeling in his hamstring but a scan on the area has confirmed he is clear of injury.

The striker will participate in Thursday’s training session at the London Stadium and, according to Bilic, Chicharito will be in the squad for Friday’s match as long as he feels right.

The manager told his pre-match press-conference: “Chicharito had a slight problem but he’s training at 4pm and he should be good to train with us. It’s not a big thing.

Chicharito had a slight problem... we expect him to train today and, based on his feeling, to be OK

Slaven Bilic

“He trained and felt a little bit of a tight hamstring, so we scanned it which was important, and the scan was completely clear. He missed Wednesday’s light session and we expect him to train today and, based on his feeling, to be OK.”

The Hammers are still without defender James Collins, who continues his recovery from a set-back against West Brom last month, while Diafra Sakho is also set to miss the contest with Brighton after a back complaint.

However, Bilic suggests the duo could be back in time for next week’s Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham.

Goalkeeper Adrian, meanwhile, has recovered from illness and is likely to also be involved.

“We have a couple that are out because of injury,” Bilic added. “James Collins is out for a matter of days and Sakho has back pain. He didn’t train since Burnley so he’s out of Friday’s game. They could both be back for the Spurs game.

Chicharito training with West Ham United teammates

“Adrian had a stomach problem for a couple of days, but he is OK now and should train with us.”

Andy Carroll will definitely miss the fixture due to suspension but the Hammers can still call on the likes of Chicharito, Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew for this match, with all five set to be involved.

With that in mind Bilic has confirmed it’s unlikely he will call on young striker Toni Martinez, who has been impressing with the U23s after a hat-trick against Manchester United last weekend.

“Martinez is showing good form. He’s been with us a couple of times, in pre-season, and is improving a lot, but we have enough options so he will probably not be in the squad.”