Diafra Sakho is set to return for West Ham despite being arrested twice in two months

Diafra Sakho is set to return for West Ham despite being arrested twice in two months

WEST HAM striker Diafro Sakho is in line for a return to action despite being arrested twice in a month.

 

The club have suffered yet another striker crisis with Andy Carroll, Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate are all injured, leaving Modibo Maiga as manager Slaven Bilic's only option up front.

Sakho himself has been struggling with a groin injury but Bilic wants him back to face Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow and start hitting the headlines for the right reasons again.

 

Earlier this week Sakho was arrested and bailed on suspicion of making threats to kill as well as witness intimidation having been arrested for an alleged assault three days before the club's opening day win at Arsenal.

But the Senegalese denies all accusations and been cleared to play after escaping club punishment.

 

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is only concerned about the 'physical side' of Sakho

When asked whether he was concerned over Sakho's state of mind, Bilic said: "No. I am more concentrated on the physical side.

"I spoke to the player of course about that other issue and he looks bright and if he's fit physically he'll be in the squad. He's good in the head and we need players in those positions.

"He felt a stiff groin and he didn't train with us for a couple of days but we expect he will be available because it's nothing major and then he can be in the squad for Saturday."

Bilic also admitted club captain Kevin Nolan departed after getting sick of warming the substitutes' bench.

 

He added: "That is basically the only reason. In the end it is good for both parties. He was a great captain and professional."

And Bilic expects Carroll to be fit to face former club Newcastle as the target man steps up his recovery from a knee injury.

The Croatian also revealed he had received a personal apology from Valencia following the Ecuadorian's statement through the club after he had criticised the club's treatment of his knee injury.

"He's a good lad and he apologised and he's back in the normal routine," Bilic added. "But he said some wrong things about the club that I really believe he didn't mean to."