David Moyes is hopeful the West Ham United players returning from international duty have done so without injuries or knocks ahead of Saturday’s match with Manchester City.
The Irons return to Premier League action this weekend with the reigning title holders visiting London Stadium, in an outing that puts two of the league’s unbeaten sides so far against each other.
With a host of Hammers enjoying time with their international teams over the last ten days, Moyes has offered an update on the status of his squad.
The manager noted that a flight delay slightly postponed Edson Álvarez’s return to the West Ham camp, but feels the squad is in good shape ahead of a tough test against Pep Guardiola’s City.
“We really enjoyed the international break because of the season we’ve had so far,” Moyes said. “We’ve been able to enjoy this one and the players have worked hard during this period as well. We’re hoping that all the boys that have returned are fit and well.
“Some of them have picked up little bits of knocks and I think the travelling doesn’t help. Edson Álvarez had a delayed flight and didn’t get back until yesterday [Thursday] at about three o’clock, but it’s part and parcel of the international breaks.
“We’re hoping that we’ll have everybody fit and available.”
Asked further about Álvarez, the manager gave a glowing endorsement of the Mexican international’s time in Claret and Blue so far.
The 25-year-old joined the Hammers from Ajax in the summer and Moyes is thrilled with how the midfielder is settling into life in east London.
He continued: “He’s had a great start in the Premier League. As an overseas player it’s never easy to hit the ground running in the Premier League. I think he’s got off to a great start for us and he’s made a great impression with everybody.
“He’s shown a brilliant mentality and character in training. He’s working really hard and settled in well. We’re enjoying having him here.”
The boss has also been impressed with the form of another midfield summer signing in James Ward-Prowse, who joined West Ham from Southampton last month.
“We’re pleased to have him here,” Moyes added. “It’s not like he needed any sort of pre-season with us because he’s well down the road with that, and he was probably a little bit unlucky not to make the England squad.
“It’s great to have him and it gave him the chance to have a couple of days rest as well, which hopefully he’ll benefit from.”
