West Ham given triple injury boost ahead of Southampton

Manuel Pellegrini’s pre-match update from the club has revealed that the Hammers will be as close to full strength as possible ahead of the Southampton match. The question then must be asked: should the Hammers alter a winning side?

The injury boost comes with three established and important players returning back to full health. Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini, and Samir Nasri have all missed the last few matches with small, nagging injuries. Their return fills out the bench and makes first team spots more precious to come by. Here’s how the players could factor in.

Aaron Cresswell

Nothing more than a bench position for me on this one. There are two obvious reasons for this one: Aaron Cresswell being one and Arthur Masuaku being the other.

Cresswell has some serious injury issues to contend with that have compacted ever since the Irons left Upton Park. Cress, while picking up a physical injury, needs to keep his mental acuity sharp and stay focused on playing his style of football without fear of reinjuring himself.

Arthur Masuaku’s recent form has helped in allowing Cresswell to focus on his rehab. The second choice left-back has looked awesome since starting in place of Cresswell against Manchester United. He kept that form through Leicester City and against Spurs. It’s clear Masuaku has refocused on his defensive abilities and it’s paying off.

For Cresswell, there is no shame in taking more time than needed to get back into shape physically and mentally. It appears Masuaku will be off in the summer, so why not give him a run out now to raise his stock?

Lanzini and Nasri – two of the same?

The return of Lanzini and Nasri should force some moves in the starting line up. Nasri’s injuries have been piling up and despite his effectiveness on the pitch, Nasri has been injured more than he’s been available since joining the Hammers.

Lanzini’s groin injury had West Ham supporters covering their eyes when he pulled up lame against Manchester United. Thankfully his injury wasn’t a long term one and his availability for selection has been a welcomed sight.

Both players thrive in the #10 position that Robert Snodgrass has been filling in their absence. Snodgrass has a pending suspension for abuse of an anti-doping official for one game. Could Lanzini and Nasri’s return allow Pellegrini options to let Snoddy drop his appeal?

Regardless, we should see one of these two attacking midfielders in the starting line up for the Southampton match. Which player gets the start is hard to say. Realistically with the recent injuries it may be better for Pellegrini to implement a timeshare in the midfield; 45 minutes to each player.

Having these three senior, experienced players back to end the season is a massive boost for Pellegrini who is looking to end the season with three consecutive wins. While their usage may be slightly different case to case, each player should see selection to at least the bench, and each one could factor in a win against the Saints.