Walcott and Armstrong ruled out of West Ham tie
Ralph Hasenhüttl has confirmed that Theo Walcott is the only fresh injury concern ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with West Ham.
Stuart Armstrong remains out, while long-term absentee Will Smallbone will return to first team training imminently.
"Will is now on the edge of coming back into training,” the boss claimed. “He is still a no but I think that for the first time since the injury he will join us [in training] today.
"We have not forced any duels with him. We have not forced any uncontrolled movements. We have tried to give him time and it is looking like he is now close to returning.
"Stu is still going to take a little bit more time with his calf muscle. We also have Theo out. He has a small issue at the moment but not a big issue.”
With many players also returning from international action this week, Hasenhüttl has a lot to assess in training later today.
“Like all the other teams we have a few players who have been travelling a lot. So far, a few are coming back a little bit earlier – Moussa, Tino Livramento.
“This afternoon we have the first session I think with everybody back, except Longy. Longy is in self-isolation in the hotel because of a positive COVID test but the rest will arrive today and I will have a look.”
