David Moyes has been handed a monumental boost as Jarrod Bowen is pictured back in West Ham training for Bayer Leverkusen.
West Ham face a daunting task to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarter-final second leg.
But their hopes and chances may have just been massively improved.
The Hammers have it all to do when they take on the newly-crowned German champions at the London Stadium.
West Ham will be hoping that Leverkusen have a hangover from celebrating their first ever Bundesliga title.
David Moyes’ side must somehow claw their way back into the tie at 2-0 down from the first leg.
West Ham have sorely missed Bowen
West Ham know they must score two unanswered goals to take the tie to extra-time. Or win by three in 90 minutes to make the semi-finals.
West Ham will be without suspended duo Lucas Paqueta and Emerson Palmieri.
And Konstantinos Mavropanos is a big doubt too.
Moyes’ biggest worry, though, has surrounded the availability of top scorer Jarrod Bowen.
Having Bowen fit is fundamental to any West Ham hopes of completing a shock turnaround and making a third successive European semi-final.
Bowen makes the Hammers tick with his goals, assists, tireless running and desire.
His absence hit West Ham hard in the first leg and another 2-0 defeat at the weekend.
Bowen availability was being kept a secret
If Bowen is fit then he – alongside Mohammed Kudus – give West Ham hope.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Bowen was out of the clash.
But Hammers News brought you an exclusive from the top source close to the West Ham owners denying those claims and insisting Bowen’s availability was being kept a secret ahead of the do-or-die match.
Well there’s been a monumental boost as Bowen is pictured back in West Ham training for Bayer Leverkusen.
It is quite simply the best picture Hammers fans will see all week.
And while it does not necessarily prove Bowen will start, it suggests he certainly could do.
Monumental boost as Bowen returns to training
West Ham insider Sean Whetstone posted the picture on social media and confirmed Kalvin Phillips and Alphonse Areola were also back in training at Rush Green.
Although Mavropanos was not.
“Kalvin Phillips also back in training alongside Jarrod Bowen at West Ham’s Rush Green training ground this morning,” Whetstone posted alongside the picture, which you can see below.
“Alphonse Areola is also back at the training ground after a groin strain but Konstantinos Mavropanos was missing from training on Wednesday.”
Video posted online by Sky Sports News also shows Bowen being put through his paces.
With a raucous Hammers crowd, a decent set of officials and a bit of luck, coming back from 2-0 down is not insurmountable.
Especially if Bowen is passed fit for the game as now expected.
West Ham must remember that only four clubs have more points coming from behind than them in the Premier League this season.
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