West Ham handed major injury boost ahead of London derby v Chelsea

West Ham United have been handed a massive boost ahead of this weekend’s high-profile showdown against Chelsea at the London Stadium.

According to The Sun reporter Jack Rosser, Emerson Palmieri could be fit to face his former employers after recovering from a knock that had put his participation in doubt.

Emerson started West Ham’s 1-1 draw against Fulham but had to be replaced around the hour mark after feeling some discomfort, with Vladimir Coufal slotting in at left-back.

Considering the Brazil-born Italy international is the only reliable natural left-back in Julen Lopetegui’s squad, there were concerns that he was facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Aaron Cresswell is still on West Ham’s books but the 34-year-old has dropped off in quality. His recovery pace is non-existent, and he is equally inept on the attacking front.

Lopetegui opted against bringing on Cresswell to replace Emerson, which speaks volumes about his decline as he approaches the twilight of his career.

The Hammers have been sweating over Emerson’s fitness but they can breathe a sigh of relief after scans showed “nothing too concerning”.

West Ham desperately need to turn things around

Despite their summer splurge, West Ham are surprisingly short on options at left back, but Lopetegui may be able to call upon Emerson this weekend as he looks to rectify an awful start to the season.

Picking up four points from the opening four games is far from ideal for the Hammers, given how much they invested in a squad rebuild this summer.

Lopetegui hasn’t made the best start to life in East London, and another defeat against Chelsea could plunge his long-term future at the club into uncertainty.

West Ham needed a last-gasp strike from unlikely hero Danny Ings to rescue a point against Fulham on Saturday.

However, they’ll need a much-improved performance to come away from this weekend’s London derby against Chelsea with a positive result.