Slaven Bilic has revealed both Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet could return to first team action in the next few days.
Lanzini has been sidelined with injury since before the Rio Olympic Games, while Dimitri Payet has been used sparingly due to returning to pre-season late following France’s journey to the Euro 2016 final.
But Bilic has admitted that either one of them should feature either against FC Astra in the Europa League on Thursday night, but mostly likely against Manchester City on Sunday…
SB: "Maybe one of @dimpayet17 & @maanuulanzini10 will be on the bench. More likely to participate on Sunday against @ManCity
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 24, 2016
West Ham go in to their Europa League play-off 2nd leg against FC Astra with one foot already in the group stages, having registered an away goal in a 1-1 draw last Thursday.
But Bilic insists he doesn’t plan to protect that away goal, and is eager to ensure his side records a victory to make double sure of their place in the Group Stages…
SB: "We got a good result in the first leg. If we want to qualify we have to beat Astra at home and should be confident. I expect us to win.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 24, 2016
SB: "We are not going to protect the away goal. It gives you an advantage but you cannot hang on for 90 minutes. We will play a normal game.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 24, 2016
