Huge Benny boost

Said Benrahma could potentially be returning to Hammers action much earlier than expected!

The winger has been away on international duty with Algeria at the African Cup of Nations and the tournament holders were clearly expected to go deep into the competition.

However, they have endured a nightmare start to life in the 2022 competition and were beaten 1-0 by Equatorial Guinea on Sunday night.

Guinea are 114th in the FIFA world rankings, while Algeria are 29th, and Benny’s side hadn’t lost in 35 games prior to the encounter.

However, they also failed to win their opening game of the tournament, drawing 0-0 with Sierra Leone, and will now have to beat Ivory Coast in their final game of the group stages to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Benrahma was actually an unused substitute against Guinea, although he did come off the bench against Sierra Leone, and it remains to be seen if he is restored to the side for the clash with their fellow African giants.

The game between Algeria and Ivory Coast will take place on Thursday.