West Ham United manager David Moyes was pleased to report that Sebastien Haller and Angelo Ogbonna were back training with the first team, but was uncertain if the duo would be available for Wednesday’s clash with Chelsea.
Defender Ogbonna missed the home match with Wolverhampton Wanderers following the Premier League restart but was on the bench away to Tottenham Hotspur last week, but striker Haller has missed both fixtures due to injury.
Moyes says the duo are both edging nearer a return to action for the Irons in their battle against relegation.
“Sebastien Haller and Angelo Ogbonna are getting closer," the manager said. “They’ve both been out on the grass and they’ve both been joining in training with bits. We’re hopeful that we can get them around the team but I’m not sure if they’re exactly ready yet. But they’re getting closer.”
Moyes was also able to offer an update on Arthur Masuaku, who has also not featured for West Ham since the restart due to rolling his ankle prior to the match against Wolves ten days ago.
The Scotsman said, like Haller and Ogbonna, the left-back was back in training on the pitch but was unsure whether he could call on the trio for Chelsea’s visit to London Stadium.
He continued: “We’ve got Arthur Masuaku who we’re also trying to get back. He rolled his ankle just a couple of days before the restart. He’s on the grass as well and he has done a bit with the younger players as well, so that gets him closer.
“Whether they’ll all be okay for tomorrow night, I’m not quite sure.”
Tuesday 30 June 2020 also spells the final day under contract with West Ham for Pablo Zabaleta who, alongside Carlos Sanchez and Jeremy Ngakia, will depart east London this summer following the expiration of their respective deals.
Having been with the Hammers since 2017, joining from Manchester City, the Argentinian has been a crucial cog in the West Ham first team and Moyes was eager to offer praise for the full-back’s experience, attitude and illustrious career.
Moyes added: “Losing Pablo is something that we knew was coming. It could have maybe happened at the end of last season, but he stayed on a year longer. He is a top professional and a top guy to work with.
“More importantly, I think you look at Pablo Zabaleta’s career at Manchester City and what he’s achieved and the medals he’s won. It was really good to work with him. He showed us a lot, taught us a lot, and he’s done a lot with the younger players here.”
