Manuel Pellegrini is watching Manu Lanzini’s progress after a dreadful injury with the utmost caution and preaching patience daily at the Argentine playmaker.
The midfielder suffered a devastating cruciate injury during his nation’s World Cup build up but is now back in light training and according to the boss would play tomorrow if it was down to him.
But the manager has made it clear that he needs to continue his recovery with great care indicating he may be just a month away from action.
And talking to reporters he made it clear he is already dreaming of having all his creative players in a West Ham team which would have skill to burn.
He said: “He wants to be on the pitch again. He wants to play tomorrow but he must be calm. He has a programme and the way he must continue to recover his knee.
The important thing is it is in the correct way so he does not feel any problems or pain. He must continue with his recovery for at least the next month.
Asked if Lanzini could take the team to the next level he declared: ” Maybe we can make this team play with all of them together.
With Yarmolenko, with Lanzini, with Anderson, with Nasri, with Noble, with Snodgrass. We have technical players who can make a good difference.”
I think the team with al players fit would be, Fabianski, Cresswell, Diop, Balbuena, Zab, Rice, Anderson, Lanzini, Nasri, Yarmolenko, Arnie, in a 4 1 4 1 formation, because all 4 of the offensive midfielders are capable of interchanging positions. Noble, Wilshere, Snodgrass, Antonio, Diangana, Hernandez in reserve.
I forgot to put Lanzini in the team. So it will have to be a choice between Rice and Noble.
Yarmolenko as striker. Anderson left wing. Rice Nasri Noble in the middle, Snodgrass or Antonio right wing.
Id love to see that midfield. With the addition of rice though.
Would be interesting to try Yarmolenko up front in the Arnautovic role. That way you can have Snodgrass right wing and rice in the holding midfield behind Nasri and Noble.