David Moyes is doubtful that Sebastian Haller will be able to feature against Chelsea on Wednesday night as West Ham continue to struggle for goals.
The French striker, whose presence has been missed with West Ham firing blanks in both of their games since the restart, has resumed training this week following a hip injury but may not be ready in time for the London derby.
Defender Angelo Ogbonna, who was only fit to make the bench last time out against Tottenham, has also stepped up his recovery while Arthur Masuaku is training again after a slight ankle problem.
"They’re getting closer," Moyes said. "They’ve both been out on the grass joining in bits of training. We’re hopeful we can get them around the team, I’m not sure if they are exactly ready yet but they are getting closer that’s all I can say."
After a tight turnaround between the defeats to Wolves and Tottenham, the Hammers have had plenty of time to prepare for the visit of Frank Lampard's side, who were involved in an FA Cup quarter-final tie at Leicester on Sunday.
Moyes is hopeful that the extra time has afforded his side some time to focus and settle ahead of a huge game in their battle against the drop.
"I think it has been helpful because it’s given us a chance to just settle down and not be quite so go from one recovery and go to the next game," said the Hammers boss. "I said before I think it was a bit unfair we had to play Tottenham two days after and they had a day longer, and to be fair Jose [Mourinho] agreed with that as well.
"It’s a little bit different for Frank and Chelsea because they had an FA Cup tie, and we wish we had been in the quarter-finals."
Predicted West Ham XI vs Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Fabianski; Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice; Bowen, Noble, Soucek, Fornals; Antonio
