David Moyes says Kurt Zouma is "well ahead of schedule" as the West Ham defender recovers from his hamstring injury.
The ex-Chelsea defender suffered a hamstring tendon injury during the win over his former club earlier this month and is set to return in February.
Zouma began gym work quickly after his injury now and Moyes is upbeat about how the France international’s recovery is progressing.
West Ham have been hard hit in defence when it comes to injuries over the past month, with Angelo Ogbonna ruled out for the season shortly before Zouma’s injury and Aaron Cresswell also suffering a troubling back injury after colliding with a post at Manchester City.
Cresswell’s injury has proved worse than West Ham initially hoped but Moyes added that the full-back is getting closer to a return.
"Both are coming on but the good news is that Kurt is doing really well," Moyes said of his two key defenders.
"Kurt is coming on and we’re really pleased with where Kurt is.
"I couldn’t turn around and say he’s going to be back in a week or a month but he’s really positive about his injury, well ahead of schedule at the moment. I am hoping there is positive news on Kurt.
"Cressy is still a slower injury than we hoped it would be but certainly getting much closer to fitness."
Despite the positive news on Zouma, Moyes is still keen to bring in defensive cover during the January window with Craig Dawson and Issa Diop struggling as a partnership at times.
