Cheikhou Kouyate has reportedly handed West Ham United a boost by recovering from his hamstring injury earlier than expected.

The Senegalese midfielder, who was signed from Anderlecht in the summer, was expected to be out until next month after suffering the injury in the victory over Liverpool in September.

However, the 24-year-old has already returned to full training, and could be included in the squad to face Manchester City at Upton Park on Saturday, according to The Mirror

West Ham can move to within a point of the champions in the table if they can claim a third successive Premier League win.