Manuel Pellegrini could expect to have Marko Arnautovic and Samir Nasri back in his starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace after Football.London suggested both are in line for a recall.
Arnautovic had made his return to the starting XI for the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, but later limped off the field at Molineux with an ankle injury having landed awkwardly from an aerial duel.
The blow ruled the Austrian out of Monday night’s draw at home to Liverpool and potentially the Palace tie, but the Hammers are set to give the striker the next few days to see how the pain is.
Football.London quote Pellegrini as saying: “It’s more a question for the doctor, we will see tomorrow if he can kick a ball, a lot can change.”
Nasri has also been away from the matchday squad recently having suffered a calf injury in the build-up to the FA Cup exit to AFC Wimbledon yet, like Arnautovic, could be in line for a recall at Selhurst Park.
The Frenchman’s return would be a welcome boost for his Chilean manager, as his creativity could very easily be needed if Roy Hodgson opts for a defensive line-up at the weekend.
Pellegrini will, though, still need to work without Fabian Balbuena and Jack Wilshere, as the duo are not expected to be available for selection until March.
