Team news: Pellegrini offers positive update on squad ahead of Watford

Manuel Pellegrini offers team news

West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that he has an almost fully fit squad to choose from this weekend as his side prepare to travel to face Watford in the Premier League.

Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson were ruled out against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, having picked up small knocks against champions Manchester City on the opening day of the season, but could be set to return to action at Vicarage Road.

The forecast seems positive for captain Mark Noble, who has yet to appear in the Claret and Blue this season due to an injury he picked up during pre-season.

Despite Jack Wilshere leaving the field at half-time against Brighton, Pellegrini has indicated that he has nearly a complete array of options for the trip to Hertfordshire.

Pellegrini revealed: “This week we have just Winston Reid out – all the other players are fit.

“Jack, as with all the players coming back from long injuries, needs time to recover his performance. 

“We’ve giving him minutes, the same as happened with Carlos Sanchez, with Andriy Yarmolenko, and was happening also with Manuel Lanzini last season, so we hope that every game he plays he will improve.”

Mark Noble in training

Pellegrini also offered praise to attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini after the No10 was called up by the Argentina squad for the September friendlies during the international break. 

The midfielder has been in fine form so far for the Irons, impressing during pre-season and providing the assist for Chicharito's finish against Brighton on Saturday, and the manager believes it is a worthy nomination for the 26-year-old.

“Manu’s a young player, he’s important, and he’s committed to this club,” Pellegrini added. “He’s happy here. I think it’s an honour in every club to have players in your squad that are nominated for their international squad. They must play always for their country, it’s an honour for the club. 

“I hope that Manu and all the players that will be nominated will come back here and, if they have one day more to recover, even better.”

Norwich