Noble return update

West Ham fans will awaiting Mark Noble’s return to action with some agitation as the ‘dead leg’ injury continues to plague him.

And that’s not something we would have been reporting at various stages of the captain’s Hammers career over the last couple of years.

The latest word CandH has from inside the club by text is  that the captain will be ready to join the squad against Watford at Vicarage Road in a fortnight’s time.

There’s little doubt that once fit the captain will be right back in the Hammers frame as the holding midfield option  alongside Declan Rice.

It seemed a couple of weeks ago that Jack might have nailed the job after a bright pre-season although he may now need an inspired showing at Brighton to hold onto his place.

Mark has been written off more times than enough in recent seasons but his leadership and notably passing ability appears to ensure that he remains very much a live Pellegrini option.

One change is probably likely for this weekend, with the manager putting the emphasis solely on attack, with Arthur Masuaku likely to take over at left back from Aaron Cresswell.