Jarrod Bowen could return from a fractured foot ahead of time with Aston Villa and Chelsea up next for West Ham.

West Ham are on the verge of a significant injury boost ahead of Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Chelsea over the next two weeks as Graham Potter continues to navigate several first team stars with fitness concerns.

The biggest of those issues is the absence of captain Jarrod Bowen. The forward fractured his foot against Liverpool in December and had been ruled out for around six weeks. However, it appears as if the England international could return from his lay-off sooner than expected.

The official West Ham social media account on X shared a photo of Bowen training on grass once again on Wednesday morning. In the image, the winger looks to be in full sprint as he makes fast progress in his recovery.

Jarrod Bowen nears return from injury

Potter had already confirmed that the player was jogging on the grass and hinted at a return ahead of time. The West Ham manager said: "He's doing everything he can to get on the pitch as soon as possible. We just need to make sure it's in a safe way, and it's a good way for him because we want to get him back and we want him to stay back.

"You know Jarrod, he wants to be out there, he wants to play and we're trying to pull the reins on him rather than the other way around. He's fantastic to have around the place.

"He’s just champing and wants to get out and help but he just has to take his medicine at the moment and just do his rehab properly. He was out jogging today with the individual physio, so it's positive. I think if I'm looking at it now, Jarrod will be ahead of schedule rather than behind schedule."

West Ham travel to Aston Villa for the second time this month on Sunday. That fixture was Potter's first in charge of the Hammers, an FA Cup tie which the London side lost 2-1. West Ham then make the short trip to Chelsea on Monday, February 3.

It would be a remarkable achievement for Bowen to return against Villa, but the West Ham social media account could be teasing that to be the case. Claret and Hugh had claimed that the winger is expected to be fit for the visit to Stamford Bridge.

West Ham injury update

Niclas Fullkrug remains absent with a hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa. It's been a torrid start to life in the Premier League for the £27 million signing, who has managed just 457 minutes since arriving from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

The German had been linked with a January exit from the London Stadium, just six months after his arrival. However, his latest injury is set to deter any potential suitors.

Crysencio Summerville missed out against Fulham and Crystal Palace due to a thigh injury. Potter had expected the former Leeds United man to be out for a 'number of weeks' at first, but the club confirmed he had almost made the matchday squad to take on the Eagles. Summerville should be fit to face Aston Villa.