Lukasz Fabianski’s astonishing return to West Ham training one week after an eye socket operation is literally a sight for sore eyes.
Fabianski was withdrawn in the win over Nottingham Forest less than two weeks ago after suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye-socket.
David Moyes confirmed an operation was required as the Hammers number one had to have a plate inserted into his eye in surgery which took place last Thursday.
Fabianski has missed West Ham defeats to Man United and Brighton since with back-up goalkeeper Alphonse Areola conceding seven goals in the process.
Although there was little Areola could do for most of those goals, Fabianski’s absence has made some West Ham fans more appreciative of his qualities.
There had been growing clamour for Areola to replace Fabianski as West Ham’s number one despite not making any glaring errors for the Hammers.
One of the former Poland star’s biggest strengths is his calmness, consistency and ability to do the basics so well.
His injury has left Moyes with two young, untested goalkeepers as back-up following the sale of Darren Randolph last month.
And that has been a major concern for fans given what is at stake for West Ham in the Premier League should anything happen to Areola.
Some feared Fabianski could be kept out of action for the rest of the season after requiring an operation.
A best case scenario was seen as a return in April, perhaps wearing a mask.
That may yet prove to be the case but there was a sight for sore eyes at West Ham’s Rush Green base ahead of the trip to Larnaca in the Europa Conference League.
That was Fabianski’s astonishing return to West Ham training less than one week after his eye socket operation.
West Ham published a picture gallery on the club’s website of the team training before the flight to Cyprus.
And fans will not believe their eyes because Fabianski is pictured in the gallery involved in training with no mask.
Picture number three in the 33-image gallery shows Fabianski smiling in full training kit and gloves as he picks a Conference League ball out of a basket to use.
It is not clear how involved Fabianski was but the sheer fact he is back training less than one week after an eye socket operation is hugely positive and welcome news.
Fabianski’s calming influence will be needed in the team and the dressing room for the relegation run-in. So his speedy return to training is a fantastic sight.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
Boss lifts lid on details of Coufal injury issue and gets major Bowen boost.
‘Sacked in summer regardless’ claim made about Moyes in site’s update from sources.
Report makes surprising claim over what key players have told board about Moyes.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
