- Slaven Bilic says Diafra Sakho could be set for a return to action in less than a month
- The Senegalese forward has missed the majority of the season after undergoing back surgery
- Manager also gave update on Angelo Ogbonna's rehab after his knee surgery
West Ham United forward Diafra Sakho could be available for selection in less than a month’s time, according to manager Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers boss confirmed Sakho, who has missed the majority of the campaign with a back problem, is progressing well with his recovery after undergoing surgery before Christmas and could be set to join the squad in the near future.
Bilic also provided an update on Angelo Ogbonna, who recently underwent knee surgery after the Club’s win over Middlesbrough at the end of January.
“Sakho is coming back,” Bilic said. “He’s travelling to see the specialist in Bordeaux, to see the surgeon who will hopefully give him the green light to push up more.
“If that meeting goes well, which we are expecting, he could be back and available – if he keeps progressing like he has been – in three or four weeks.
“Angelo is also doing really good, after his surgery on his knee. Apart from that, there are some small knocks which you always have in a Club, but we are good.”
Diafra could be back and available – if he keeps progressing like he has been – in three or four weeks
Slaven Bilic
As well as the injured pair, Bilic will be without Michail Antonio for Monday’s meeting against Chelsea at London Stadium as he serves a one-match suspension after receiving a red card at Vicarage Road in last weekend’s draw with Watford.
Having scored eight goals in 25 Premier League appearances this campaign, Antonio has been one of the standout performers for Bilic’s outfit and the Croatian believes he is close to agreeing a new deal with the Club.
“It’s just Michail is suspended, and of course that’s a big blow for us,” he continued. “Michail has got a contract here but the Club wants to reward him with a new contract, a better contract.
“We want to give him that because he has done really great for us. That’s what the Chairman told me, and I think it’s going to be done very soon.”