From the Treatment Room

Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke reveals the off-season plans for the West Ham United squad
Hello everybody,

Although the season has come to an end in terms of playing matches, the work at the training ground continues.

All the injured players will continue their rehabilitation programs during the off-season at Chadwell Heath with the medical and sports science staff.

Unfortunately, Mark Noble and James Collins were both injured the last week of the season.
James injured his calf in the first half of the match with Everton and will rehab for 4-6 weeks. We hope that he will be fit in time to start the pre-season with the squad.

Mark injured his big toe during the final training session of the season in Chadwell Heath. He has had an injection and needs a few weeks of rest. He too should be ready for the start of pre-season if everything goes to plan.

Diafra Sakho has almost completed his rehab following the quad injury he suffered in the home match against Stoke City in April. He is continuing to work on his fitness and will also be fit to start the pre-season.

Andy Carroll (knee) and Doneil Henry (hamstring) will continue to work with the medical staff during the close-season and remain on schedule to return in the pre-season.

West Ham United have qualified for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round and this makes next season – the last season at the Boleyn Ground – one of the most exciting seasons in the Club’s recent history.

I have worked previously at clubs participating in European competition and it is a great experience for everyone involved – players, staff and supporters.

During a normal ‘off-season’ it’s important for the players to relax and give their bodies and minds time to recover and refuel for the following season.

Usually, the players have six weeks off, of which the first three weeks are complete rest, followed by three weeks of individual fitness work. However, this summer has been shortened to four weeks for two reasons – next year’s European Championship finals and our participation in the Europa League.

So, with a shorter off-season, the fit players need to rest for period but always be mindful of leading a healthy, professional lifestyle, before starting their individual programs ahead of their return for pre-season training next month.

Have a fit and healthy summer!

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science