Jarrod Bowen has stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury in a huge boost to West Ham ahead of next week’s Europa League quarter-final against Lyon.
Bowen is back working outside at the club's Rush Green training ground, though Sunday's visit of Everton in the Premier League is expected to come too soon for his return.
Following the injury sustained at Liverpool earlier this month, initial tests showed no serious damage to his Achilles but it has taken the winger far longer to recover than first expected, with fears there may have been a hairline fracture or chip suffered. No subsequent scans were able to confirm that theory, however.
Bowen missed both legs of the superb Europa League last-16 win over Sevilla and there have been concerns that he could remain sidelined against Lyon, with West Ham hosting the first leg at London Stadium next Thursday (April 7).
However, the player is now working on the grass once more, though not back with the full group just yet.
Manager David Moyes must be careful with Bowen's return so not to risk further injury, especially given the fact that the latter has what coaches have described as a "lax ankle", meaning he is somewhat more susceptible to injury in that area than other players.
The 25-year-old is often given sugar injections to strengthen his ankle before games.
