Maxwel Cornet is hopeful that he and West Ham United can enjoy a successful end to 2023/24, after declaring he is now fully fit, having overcome a recent injury.
Cornet sustained a hamstring injury in training which has kept him sidelined during a busy period, but he is determined to make up for lost time when he’s back available for selection.
The Hammers forward has expressed his frustration over his limited role since his move from Burnley in August 2022 - but insists he respects manager David Moyes’ decision – and will keep on working hard for his opportunity to prove his worth in Claret and Blue.
“My time here has been up and down so far,” said Cornet. “I’m really frustrated because I can’t show the supporters that I can be decisive for the team and can score more goals because of a lot of things.
“I was injured, and when I came back it wasn’t the best moment for me because the team were doing well. The manager kept his confidence in the starters but that was normal as they had done well. It wasn’t a perfect time.
“I’m determined to find my best form here. Hopefully there are more opportunities to come.”
Cornet says he is “recovering very well” after his latest setback, having been absent from West Ham’s last six matches.
The 27-year-old hopes to be back involved at the first opportunity when the Hammers make their longest domestic trip of the season to Newcastle United next weekend.
“I’m recovering very well. I had a hamstring injury during a training session but now I am really good, back to normal and have no pain,” said Cornet. “I’ve started to build high speed, acceleration, and next week I will hopefully be with the team. Fingers crossed I will be back for the next game.
“It’s quite difficult [having a few injuries] because when you are a player, you don’t want to be out of the team or be injured because it’s not a fun moment. You lose your fitness and you have to run after it when you come back. You see your teammates play and you want to be a part of it and enjoy it, but it’s part of football, so I just need to be patient and listen to my body to get back soon.”
The Ivory Coast international is determined to make a breakthrough at the Club for the remainder of the season and hopes he receives more game time.
Cornet has only started one Premier League game this season, playing five in total, though he believes he can be a difference-maker as the Hammers chase a fourth straight season in European football.
“I’m looking to play as many minutes as possible [for the rest of the season]. I think we have the quality to do something big in this [UEFA Europa League] competition.
“I think the objective is to keep the Club in Europe, if it's Europa League or why not in Champions League?
"I played in the Champions League with Lyon and can recognise the quality of the players we had [there], and what we have at West Ham. We have the quality. We have big players.”
