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Injury Woes Finally Easing

Cresswell, Antonio, and Kouyate should return to the squad for the weekend

Manchester United v West Ham United - EFL Cup Quarter-Final
Michail Antonio looking to return from injury suffered against Manchester United
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

West Ham’s injury crisis seems to be improving as it is reported that three big players will be back for the Hammers’ trip to Liverpool this weekend.

Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio, and Cheikhou Kouyate are all looking likely that they will be in the squad traveling north for Sunday’s match. Wing-backs Cresswell and Antonio missed the London Derby last weekend after both were injured during West Ham’s League Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Antonio is the club’s leading scorer this season and the team will definitely benefit from having him and a healthy Andy Carroll in the lineup. With Liverpool’s very leaky defense, Carroll and Antonio will be a good combo in attack who can potentially put a few in the back of the net.

At the back, West Ham fans will be excited to see Kouyate on the pitch after the Hammers gave up five goals to Arsenal on the weekend. Kouyate sat out the match with a hamstring injury, but is reported to being close to fit and could start against the Merseyside club.

Those three players returning could be crucial in helping West Ham leave Liverpool with at least a point. The Hammers need something to get out of this rut and a hard fought draw or win will definitely do wonders for the squad’s confidence.

And more good news on the injury front, as full-back Sam Byram is looking likely for a return around Christmas. The young Englishman has been out since the first day of October, when he suffered a hamstring tear against Middlesbrough. Another defender coming back is just what the squad needs as the Hammers have given up 13 goals in their last four games in all competitions.