West Ham United's latest recruit should be fit enough to make his debut against Accrington Stanley, says club doc Stijn Vandenbroucke.
Alvaro Arbeloa was confirmed as United's final arrival of the summer transfer window a mere matter of hours ahead of the transfer deadline last month.And the former Spanish international - who only played a handful of first team matches for Real Madrid last season - has been hard at work as he battles to regain match fitness.
"Alvaro is working very hard on the training pitch, having arrived with us in a good physical condition," Vandenbroucke told whufc.com. "If all goes to plan, he will be available to play some part in the EFL Cup against Accrington Stanley next week."
However definitely unavailable for that game are strike duo Andy Carroll and forgotten man Diafra Sakho. "Andy had a good week during which he has made good progress," added Vandenbroucke. "He is working hard, but it will take time before he is ready to return to action.
"Diafra is also progressing. He has been running up and down the stairs at the London Stadium and skipping as he continues to build up his fitness. He's now ready to take the next stage by increasing his training."
Vandenbroucke also revealed that club captain Mark Noble received "eight stitches in his left hand after a Watford player trod on it" following last weekend's 4-2 home defeat, but expects to be available for the trip to West Bromwich Albion this weekend.
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