Álvaro Arbeloa wants to break into Slaven Bilic’s first team

Álvaro Arbeloa could leave West Ham this January, according to Mundo Deportivo. Despite the reports that the 33-year-old’s agent is already searching for new clubs, the fullback is pushing for his place in Slaven Bilic’s first team.

“I want to help my team-mates, the coach and I am giving my best in every training session. Hopefully I will get the chance to play soon,” the 2010 World Cup winner told the official club website.

The former Real Madrid and Liverpool right back has made three appearances for the Hammers. Two appearances came in the Premier League, with his first start coming in the 3-0 loss to Southampton. He also had an extended substitute stint in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough after Sam Byram withdrew due to injury after six minutes.

Byram’s hamstring injury in early October appeared as if it would give Arbeloa significant game time, but Bilic has made due with three center backs and two wing backs. The 23-year-old Byram nears a return from that injury, perhaps casting Arbeloa further as a surplus requirement.

“The most important thing is we need the points and we need to win games. We now have five very tough games but all of us believe we can win games and that is the most important thing,” Arbeloa continued.

West Ham play Tottenham on Saturday, followed by two matches away against Manchester United before playing Arsenal and Liverpool to open December. It is a grueling stretch for the Hammers, currently sitting in 17th in the Premier League.