Confirmed West Ham team to face Frankfurt as Kurt Zouma returns in massive boost

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The West Ham team to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi-final first leg has been confirmed and Kurt Zouma returns.

One of the biggest matches in the modern history of West Ham is now upon us and you could cut the tension with a knife.

The Hammers welcome German side Frankfurt to the London Stadium for the first leg of the huge Europa League last four clash.

West Ham saw off Lyon in the quarter-finals while Frankfurt beat Barcelona to set up a repeat of the European Cup Winners Cup semi-final of 1976.

West Ham boss David Moyes knew Frankfurt would be without star defender Evan Ndicka and key defensive midfielder Kristijan Jakić for the first leg due to suspension.

And Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner has also confirmed ahead of the game that another of his players will miss the first leg through sickness.

West Ham have their own issues in defence.

Speculation had been swirling that one of injured duo Kurt Zouma or Issa Diop could be in line for an early return to the West Ham side for the huge clash.

As the game drew ever closer that appeared less likely given neither has been spotted training with the team in the build-up.

Well Hammers fans now have their answer.

That’s after the confirmed West Ham team to face Frankfurt was named and ZOUMA RETURNS.

What an absolutely massive boost!

Confirmed West Ham team to face Frankfurt:

Areola, Johnson, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Lanzini, Fornals, Bowen, Antonio.

Subs: Fabiański (GK), Randolph (GK), Coufal, Yarmolenko, Vlašić, Noble, Benrahma, Fredericks, Masuaku, Král, Alese, Chesters.

Ahead of the game Moyes has hailed West Ham’s owners in light of recent events at other clubs.

West Ham’s Bundesliga opponents ‘did a Lyon’ ahead of the first leg and posted comments belittling the Hammers on Twitter and their official website.

UEFA has appointed a Dutch referee who has dished out 143 cards in 34 games for the match.

Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner has highlighted West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek as a player his side must keep a close eye on.

Meanwhile, Frankfurt striker Rafael Borre has warned his teammates to watch out for two West Ham players in particular.

Borre says Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals are key for West Ham.

Come. On. You. Irons!

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