West Ham given boost as Kurt Zouma sets date for return from injury

West Ham defender Kurt Zouma is targeting a return to action within the next month which is ahead of schedule.

The Frenchman has set his sights on being fit for the away fixture at Man United on 22nd January according to reports from The Evening Standard.

Zouma has been out since he sustained a hamstring injury in West Ham’s 3-2 victory over his former club Chelsea in early December.

West Ham star Kurt Zouma is aiming to recover from injury in time for Man United away on 22nd January.

With the centre-back being so vital to West Ham in there attempt to finish in the top four, David Moyes will be reluctant to force Zouma back into action too soon and risk him picking up another injury. Therefore, according to reports, a return to the starting XI could be more realistic when the Hammers face Kidderminster Harries in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.

West Ham are in desperate need for the 27-year-old to return to match fitness with Moyes’ side looking less solid defensively in recent matches.

With Angelo Ogbonna potentially out for the rest of the season, Issa Diop performing inconsistently and Craig Dawson playing on despite sustaining an injury, there have been rumours West Ham want to bring in another central defender.

The likes of Nat Phillips and Matthias Ginter have been linked with moves to East London.

However, with Zouma expected to be back sooner than first thought, could West Ham’s transfer plans change with the club keen on a move for a striker and perhaps Jesse Lingard?

Additionally in the treatment room, Aaron Cresswell remains out but the the important left-back could return soon after he clattered into the post in the away defeat to Man City 2-1. For now, unless West Ham sign a left-back soon, Ben Johnson may continue to deputise there.