West Brom delivered big injury boost ahead of West Ham clash

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that a trio of key players missed training in the build up to their Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bilic told reporters that Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate and, most notably, Andy Carroll are doubts for the weekend.

SB: "A few players have not trained like Cresswell, Carroll and Kouyate but we will wait and see tomorrow.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 9, 2017

The news of the absence of the Hammers’ talismanic striker will be a big boost to Tony Pulis. The former Liverpool and Newcastle United has been in fine form since his return from injury, grabbing the equaliser minutes after Southampton took the lead against Bilic’s side, on the way to a 3-1 win, on Saturday.

The England international, who is potentially back in the running for a call up to Gareth Southgate’s squad, has been hauled off in his last two outings due to having a tight groin.

As it stands current striker partner Michail Antonio could be in line to replace him at the London Stadium.