Injuries latest

There was some good news for the Hammers injury-wise ahead of the weekend's visit of Premiership newcomers Manchester City.

Nigel Winterburn, who has been out of action for the past two weeks is fit once again and available for selection.

However, Joe Cole, as we revealed yesterday will miss the game due to the ankle injury he received against Newcastle.

And there was also some good news regarding Javier Margas, who has been out of action since the beginning of September.

Chief physio John Green revealed yesterday: "Javier has come back from a week's recovery following an injection, and we fully expect that he'll be training again next week."

Centre-back Igor Stimac is also nearing recovery. Green explained: "Igor had a 40 minute run today without any reaction, so he should also be back in training next week."

Christian Basilla, the former French under-21 who has so far played less than half-an-hour for the Hammers since joining in August is also well on the way to a full recovery.

"Christian has trained all week," Green revealed. "With the amount of time he's been out Harry will probably wait to give him a reserve game first. With the [Darren Hay] testimonial being cancelled this week we missed the chance of giving him a run-out."

Green also revealed that Craig Forrest is almost ready to play again - for the first time this season.

"He thinks he'll only be about a fortnight away from being available," said Green. "I don't think we're looking at him being out for much longer either."