Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest update - in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everyone,
It has been a calm week in the Treatment Room, with no fresh significant injuries to deal with.
Mark Noble was the only new face to visit us, but he will be fit and available to face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The captain required eight stitches in his left hand after a Watford player trod on it during last weekend’s game. He was in some discomfort and pain during the second half, but manfully continued to complete the game.
Mark is a tough lad and, after having an extra day of rest, he returned to training wearing a protective brace and will be fine for Saturday’s game.
Aaron Cresswell and Andre Ayew are both progressing very well and have both been running this week as they continue their recoveries from a knee and thigh injury respectively.
Andy Carroll had a good week, during which he has made good progress and is also running on the pitch. It is four weeks since Andy was injured in the UEFA Europa League tie with Astra in Romania. He is working hard, but it will take time before he is ready to return to action.
Diafra Sakho is also progressing. He has been running up and down the stairs at London Stadium and skipping as he continues to build up his fitness, and is now ready to take the next stage by increasing his training.
Finally, Alvaro Arbeloa is working very hard on the training pitch, having arrived with us in a good physical condition. If all goes to plan, he will be available to play some part in the EFL Cup against Accrington Stanley next week.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science