David Moyes says West Ham defender’s progress is ‘ahead of schedule’ before Eintracht Frankfurt

West Ham manager David Moyes has said his team does not have any fresh injury concerns ahead of the Europa League semi-final first leg encounter against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Hammers are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis with the trio of central defenders Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma all huge doubts for the game.

Ogbonna has been ruled out of the season since November last year, while Zouma will be lucky to kick a ball again.

However Moyes revealed that Diop was slightly ahead of schedule, although still a doubt for the clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite the recent injury issues, the Hammers travelled to France to beat Lyon, who were favourites for the tie based on experience and pedigree.

They also played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with only Craig Dawson as the fit central defender, and held out for most of the game until Dawson was sent off and the Blues made their superior numbers count.

The Irons are seventh in the league table and their path to Champions League football via the league is looking increasingly unlikely, so Moyes will look to go all out and win the Europa League.

The manager admitted he could do with some central defenders for the huge home leg against Eintracht Frankfurt.

He said: “We’ve got most people who were available over the weekend available and we’ve got the people who were injured making progress, but I’m not sure.

“I would not rush anyone back, but we could do with some central defenders back.

“We need all hands on deck and we are getting to the business end of the season and you need your best players back.

“We certainly need some players back as we’ve been quite short.

“Issa is slightly ahead of schedule but I never rush players back so we will have to wait and see.”

Thursday night will probably be the last time captain Mark Noble steps out as a West Ham player on a European night.

There have been talks that he could continue playing, at least if West Ham make it into the Champions League.

Noble has been instrumental in the recent success story, and fans are beginning to get emotional regarding his retirement.

But the midfielder says he would prefer to leave on the high instead of dragging on because of the Champions League.

He confirmed: “I have been asked about this by several people but my answer to that is that if we win it then just lifting the trophy will be a nice way to end it.”