Edson Álvarez believes he is making positive strides in the right direction three months on after sustaining a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old was hurt whilst in action for Mexico at the Copa América earlier this summer after leading his national team into a major tournament for the first time in his already illustrious career.
The setback arrived at an unfortunate stage for the midfielder who, last term, played a key role in helping West Ham secure a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League and reach the UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup quarter-finals. In all, he made 42 appearances in his first season in Claret and Blue.
With the disappointment and frustration firmly locked away, Álvarez is buoyed by the progress he has made and is working hard in his rehabilitation programme to return to full fitness, having been absent from the Hammers’ pre-season schedule and last weekend’s home clash against Aston Villa.
“The recovery has gone quite well. I would say I'm closer [to reaching full fitness] than people think. It has been three months of a lot of learning on a personal level,” Álvarez told whufc.com. “I've never had such a serious injury that left me out of action for so long. I was also a bit lucky that it happened when it did, during the holiday period, so I was able to work very hard during the break. I'm very close to being back. I feel very good, very strong and I'm very excited to get back out there.
“After the injury I kept working to get back on the pitch as soon as possible with my recovery. I took my holidays too, but I trained in the mornings. I really enjoyed the afternoons with my family. We had a very nice holiday period together. I got engaged to my now fiancée, and we are very excited about that as well!
“It's a great pride as always, whether it's a friendly or in any other match, to wear the shirt of your country's national team. Especially in a tournament as important as the Copa América. Unfortunately, I had to deal with the injury. That being said, I was able to be with my teammates and experience it. I've always thought that everything happens for a reason.”
Julen Lopetegui’s ranks for 2024/25 have been bolstered by the signings of Wes Foderingham, Luis Guilherme, Maximilian Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Füllkrug, Guido Rodríguez, Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
And, ahead of our first London derby against Crystal Palace, Álvarez revealed how much he is looking forward to operating alongside our exciting new recruits alongside new Head Coach Lopetegui.
“I am not very surprised as was the case when I arrived. This was part of the project that was presented to me," Álvarez confirmed. "To improve, to try to grow. The truth is that the players they have brought in are players of great quality with big names. In the end, it all helps us to grow in order to compete and achieve our objectives.
“Personally, I am very happy [with Lopetegui’s appointment]. It was very easy for me because we share the same language, so it is much easier for me to understand what he wants. He’s a gaffer with ambition and a lot of desire to do things well here. Obviously he is changing our whole mentality, the way we play. Both myself and my team-mates are very happy with his arrival. Now it’s about making sure the results go our way to show that we are doing things right.
Álvarez will be reunited with ex-Club América team-mate Rodríguez, where the pair played alongside one another 74 times, winning Liga MX Torneo Apertura championship stage and Torneo Clausura Copa MX, as well as the Mexican Golden Ball award, in 2018/19.
“It was all very quick indeed. I found out a little bit from the news. I messaged him, and we talked a little bit,” Álvarez said. “He asked me about the Club, about everything, and I didn't hesitate to give him very good references. I had the opportunity to share the pitch with him in Mexico at Club América, where we did quite well. We were champions together. We know each other very well. I'm very happy that he can be here and that we continue to grow together.
“There are many advantages to having two players who are very similar in that respect [double pivot in front of defence]. We are two players who understand each other very well. We know each other, we know what it's like to work hard. We know what it's like when it comes to having the ball in terms of giving our teammates a moment to catch their breath when they need it. Afterwards, the coach will make his decision, but we are both in the best disposition to help the team.”
With the new Premier League campaign already underway, Álvarez says the players have their sights set on getting back into European competition, while insisting that nothing is stopping the Hammers from going on a successful domestic cup run.
He said: "The most important thing and what we are all looking for is to get back into Europe. So that means we have to be in the top places in the Premier League. The truth is that with this team, I have no doubt that we are going to do it. We are going to fight for important things. Why not win a cup? I think it's within reach. There are several objectives that we have, at least for me personally, but also as a group. This is just the beginning, there's still a long way to go. Let's hope that everything goes well.”
