David Gold delivers West Ham injury boost ahead of Watford clash (not Carroll)
By Will Butcher
Arthur Masuaku is set to return to the West Ham squad to face Watford on February 25, according to co-owner David Gold.
Masuaku, 23, has been sidelined since the beginning of December with a long-term knee injury, which saw him play just two games after returning from another injury.
However, Hammers co-owner Gold revealed on his personal Twitter account that the left-back would be available against Watford after returning to first-team training.
A £6million signing from Greek champions Olympiacos, Masuaku is just one of a number of foreign recruits that have struggled to have an impact in east London.
The Frenchman was brought in to provide top-quality cover for Aaron Cresswell on the left side of defence while the England international remained injured during the first half of the season.
However, Masuaku failed to show in his eight appearances this season that he can live up to Cresswell’s high standards.
During his limited outings as a West Ham player, Masuaku has been a part of the defence that have shipped 22 goals in his eight encounters.
The Hammers’ number 26 is not expected to come back into the side with Cresswell fully fit, and is likely to have to make do with a place on the substitutes’ bench.
Football Insider verdict:
With Cresswell considered manager Slaven Bilic’s undisputed first choice at left-back, Masuaku may need to show versatility in being able to play higher up the pitch for the Hammers if he is to get any game time. The defender has failed to prove that he has the quality to replace Cresswell, and with the Hammers not involved in any cup competitions after being knocked out of the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League, Cresswell will be chosen to play if he remains fit. That could see Masuaku become disillusioned in east London, as he is set to warm the bench for the foreseeable future. Masuaku’s only hope of game time, then, is if he is able to prove his versatility and play elsewhere.
In other West Ham news, John Hartson has had this to say about his two-year stint with the Hammers.
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