West Ham injury round-up including expected return dates for Kurt Zouma and Tomas Soucek

West Ham’s thin squad eventually caught up with them, with Leeds United beating the Hammers 3-2 in the Premier League to dent a blow to their top-four aspirations.

Ahead of the game, manager David Moyes hinted his squad was struggling with numbers, but did not want to use that as an excuse and remained resolute despite the disappointing performance against Bielsa’s side.

West Ham remain fourth even after the defeat to Leeds, but fifth and sixth placed Arsenal and Tottenham have games in hand.

David Moyes knows the business end of the season is almost here, and he will need bodies back to help push for a Champions League finish and to compete in the Europa League.

So with Said Benrahma away with Algeria and Angelo Ogbonna out for the season, here are some of the potential return dates for some of those still on the treatment table.

Kurt Zouma

The French defender hasn’t played for the club since December ,7 after picking up a hamstring injury that threatened his season.

There have been reports that he could be set for a long spell out of the team, but he is back to training and is being closely monitored by the medical team.

He was left out of the defeat to Leeds with the game coming too early for him, Moyes and his team will continue to increase his workload this week to see how his hamstring holds up.

Expected return: Manchester United (A) Jan 22

Tomáš Souček

The midfielder has missed the club’s last two games and even though Moyes has given little away on his potential return, it is reported that he is very close to playing again.

There has not been a clear report on the injury he picked up, although there is a suspicion that he tested positive for Covid-19.

Whatever it is, there is a huge chance that he will be part of the team that will travel to Manchester hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of losing to Leeds on January 22.

Expected return: Manchester United (A) Jan 22

Mark Noble

The club captain also missed the game against Leeds United due to a sharp pain in his knee, but it is thought not to be serious and his absence against Leeds was to allow him more time to heal completely.

Despite not being a starter this season, Noble is ever present in the team and he is expected to return in time for the Manchester United game, and should get a run out in the FA Cup the week after against Kidderminster Harriers F.C.

Expected return: Manchester United (A) Jan 22

Angelo Ogbonna

Picked up a serious knee injury and is not expected to play any part this season.

Expected return: Next season