West Ham given £13m injury boost ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool clashes

West Ham are hopeful that full-back Emerson will not need an extended period on the sidelines after limping off against Fulham in the 1-1 Premier League draw last weekend, despite Julen Lopetegui worries after full-time.

The full-back needed treatment during the second half of the meeting at Craven Cottage but returned to the field of play determined to finish the match. Emerson could be seen grimacing as he struggled to shake off the knock and soon had to be replaced by Vladimir Coufal.

Speaking after the game, Lopetegui said: "He has one big block in his knee. We have to evaluate tomorrow. Right now he has pain and let's see. I hope it's not important but we'll see."

However, The Sun reporter Jack Rosser has now unveiled that the Hammers are not too concerned as to the severity of that knock. He took to social media platform X on Monday to write: “West Ham hopeful Emerson has avoided serious injury after scans today. Picked up a thigh problem at Fulham but scans showed nothing too concerning."

Despite Lopetegui's talk of knee concerns, Emerson did appear to be receiving treatment higher up on the leg at Fulham, which has come to light with reports of a thigh niggle rather than knee.

After his sub, summer signing and former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka moved over to left back but any lay-off for Emerson would have come as a blow for the Hammers with the only other out-and-out full back, Aaron Cresswell, also sidelined with an injury.

West Ham are next in action in another London derby this weekend, facing Chelsea at the London Stadium. Emerson, who signed for West Ham from Chelsea for £13 million in 2022 could now be fit to face his former club.

Lopetegui’s side then travel to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on September 25. The Hammers sit 14th in the top flight with one win, one draw and two defeats so far this season.