West Ham United have received some positive news ahead of their clash with Leicester City, as big-money summer signing Marko Arnautovic will be available to feature, according to Sky Sports.
The 28-year-old was replaced with 15 minutes to go during the Hammers’ disappointing 2-0 defeat to Watford on Sunday and looked in pain and distress as he left the field after Will Hughes and Richarlison had added more misery to an already difficult start to the term for the east London club.
It was believed that Arnautovic had broken his thumb but the latest report suggests that he could be available for West Ham against the Foxes on Friday night.
Since his £20 million switch to the London Stadium from Stoke City over the summer, the attacker has struggled to replicate the form that made his such a hot commodity over the recent transfer window.
From his 10 West Ham appearances across all competitions so far this term, Arnautovic has been able to record just two assists and is yet to find the back of the net in claret and blue.
Moyes’ injury list is one that already sees stars such as Javier Hernandez, Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew present, although the latter two should be set for returns next time out.
One of the new West Ham manager’s major tasks will be to find a winning combination in the final third, with Arnautovic, Antonio, Ayew and Manuel Lanzini all in contention for starting berths.
West Ham’s first game since the arrival of new boss David Moyes ended in defeat, leaving the club still one point adrift from safety.
However, the former Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland manager will be hoping a positive result against Leicester City in the Scot’s first showing at the London Stadium on Friday evening will help to steer the ship in the right direction.