David Moyes could name an unchanged starting XI for West Ham United’s Premier League derby with Arsenal on Wednesday.
The manager reported a clean bill of health from his team following Saturday’s outstanding 1-0 victory over champions Chelsea, with Michail Antonio fit for selection after being forced off through sheer exhaustion against the Blues.
Fellow forwards Chicharito and Andy Carroll are getting fitter as they continue their respective returns from injury, while midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has returned to full training after missing the weekend win with a knock picked up at Manchester City.
Only Swiss midfielder Edimilson Fernandes, who was an unused substitute at the weekend, looks set to miss the visit of the Gunners after suffering an ankle injury in training on Monday.
“Cheikhou has returned a little bit to training, so we’re hoping we can get him back quite quickly,” Moyes told broadcasters at his pre-match press conference. “Obviously Chicharito and Andy Carroll were back on the bench at the weekend.
“James Collins is coming on a little bit as well, but he won’t be ready for the game. We’ve got a couple of long-termers [in Sam Byram and Jose Fonte], so we’re pretty much as we were, really.
“The only one who is a little doubt is Edi Fernandes, who hurt his ankle in training. That’s it.”
The manager was also asked about the goalkeeping situation and responded by saying that, while Adrian is the man in possession of the gloves for now, Joe Hart can expect to be called upon again as the season progresses.
Moyes also dismissed speculation that the England international’s loan deal might be terminated in January.
“I'm sure Joe has been No1 throughout his career, wherever he has been, and there has been somebody else who has worked alongside him.
“At this moment in time, Adrian went in goal at Man City and played well and he did so again on Saturday. I am sure Joe will give Adrian all the respect from that position.
“Joe is good in the dressing room, he's a really good guy and his level experience and the games and competitions he has played in are important for us and I can tell you now that he'll play a lot of games for West Ham between now and the end of the season.
"I hope Adrian keeps playing well, but there will be games for Joe. Adrian is going to have to play well. I'm really pleased I have two good goalkeepers and them to be competitive. Joe is here and if I'm correct I don't think his loan contract allows him to go back anyway.
"My job is to pick the West Ham team and not pick the England team. Gareth Southgate is a really good coach and he’ll know exactly what he wants.”