West Ham United star Aaron Cresswell could yet be ruled fit to face Chelsea today.
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The Hammers take on their fierce London rivals in a huge six-pointer in the race for a Champions League place.
West Ham and Chelsea go into the game level on 55 points with six matches left.
If there is a winner they will end the weekend in fourth place regardless of what happens elsewhere.
Moyes hit by glut of absences at worst possible time
West Ham boss David Moyes has been hit by a glut of injuries and a suspension at the worst possible time.
Declan Rice, Michail Antonio and Craig Dawson will all miss the Chelsea game.
Both Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku are doubts too having missed the defeat to Newcastle last week.
But while Masuaku looks highly likely to remain sidelined for West Ham – Cresswell may face a late fitness test in a bid to make today’s Chelsea clash.
West Ham star Cresswell facing late fitness test for Chelsea after Moyes drops hint?
That was the suggestion from Moyes speaking in his pre-match press conference.
The Scot said he would make a decision on Cresswell today with much of that resting on how the player himself feels.
“I’m not sure whether they’ll make it or not, but I’m hoping that maybe we could get somebody back,” Moyes hinted (whufc.com).
“We’re aware that if we can get them back it would help us.
“Aaron is getting closer, we’ll monitor it, see how he feels tomorrow and see how we think.”
Cresswell is an experienced player who has had his fair share of injury issues over the last few years.
So his own view on whether he is fit to play for West Ham in what is their biggest game of the season will count for a lot.
What exactly does a fitness test consist of? It will differ for each player and vary depending on the type of injury.
What does a pre-match fitness test entail?
Ultimately the medical team will tell the manager whether they should be considered for selection.
“If the player has been able to train the physio will give him further tests that will last for about 30-40 minutes,” Physio Room states on the subject of pre-match fitness tests.
“They have to be absolutely sure of their fitness before throwing them in to a blood and thunder football match.
“The first thing the player will have to do is a series of short and long sprints. They will have to do this during a game and if the muscles are not up to this then the physio will find out when he applies this test…
“The manager will get the medical report after these tests and decide if the player goes straight in the team or stays out. As a compromise he may put them on the bench.”
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