James Tomkins looks set to take his place at the heart of the Hammers defence against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Tomkins had a scan yesterday on a troublesome hamstring and has received an all clear.
He has several days to recover fully and could be on pain killers for the game if required but the signs are good for him to take his place.
A source told us that although Tomkins was still in some pain from the ‘hammy’ the medics are confident he will be able to team up with Winston Reid at the heart of defence with James Collins supended.
He said: “A big sigh of relief went around the club yesterday when the news came through. James should be okay.”
It means the desperate search for a replacement has eased although as revealed on ClaretandHugh yesterday evening, the club are talking to Manchester City in a bid to sort out a loan deal for Micah Richards.
