West Ham handed massive injury boost ahead of crunch clash at Chelsea | OneFootball

West Ham United manager Graham Potter is preparing for a return to his old stomping ground, with his team set to visit Chelsea on Monday night.

The 49-year-old only took charge of 31 games after replacing Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge but was axed towards the end of the season after 11 defeats.

Since taking charge at West Ham, Potter won one of his three Premier League games (D1, L1) after losing 2-1 to Aston Villa on his debut in the FA Cup third round.

He has hardly had a fully fit squad to choose from since taking the job with several key players sidelined, but the manager has now been handed a massive boost ahead of the crunch London derby.

Jarrod Bowen could return in time to face Chelsea

Potter has confirmed that Jarrod Bowen could return after a lengthy lay-off against Chelsea.

The Hammers captain has been sidelined with a fractured foot since West Ham’s crushing 5-0 home defeat against Liverpool on December 29.

The 28-year-old was supposed to be out for six weeks but has returned to training ahead of schedule.

“With Jarrod, we’re more positive,” Potter told the media (via West Ham’s official website) during his pre-match press conference.

“He’s obviously got a few more days to train [ahead of Monday’s game], but it’s looking hopeful.

“He’s had more time [to recover] with the nature of the injury.

“He’s trained the last two days, and we’ve still got some more training sessions to go. As I said, we’re hopeful for him.”

Potter also offered fitness updates on Lucas Paqueta and Crysencio Summerville, with the latter sidelined since the FA Cup defeat to Villa.

“Summerville is very doubtful,” Potter added. “Lucas, we’re just again monitoring and looking after.

“But, obviously, we will have to see. He hasn’t trained so far this week.”