Pedro Obiang has revealed he will return from a long-term knee problem in time to join the rest of the West Ham squad in pre-season training.
Obiang, 25, suffered a serious injury to his knee in the 3-2 loss to Leicester City back in March, which saw him undergo surgery to correct the problem and subsequently ending his 2016-17 campaign.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website, the Spanish midfielder revealed that he has returned to Rush Green early in order to continue his rehabilitation and return to pre-season training on July 5.
The former Sampdoria midfielder also told Hammers fans that he wants to improve in two areas in the attacking area of his game, namely finding the back of the net and laying on more assists for his teammates.
“I’m coming back to Rush Green to continue my fitness work in a few days because I have to work for to be ready for the fifth of July,” Obiang said.
“I have been on holiday with my family and some friends, but now is the time to think about my work because I want to be ready to train and play.
“I have two things to improve. I need to shoot more at the goal and give more assists to my teammates.”
Obiang’s injury saw him miss West Ham’s final nine Premier League matches, as Slaven Bilic saw his side avoid relegation and put a dismal campaign at the London Stadium behind them.
West Ham’s number 14 was a rare shining light in the Hammers’ side, making 30 appearances at the base of the midfield and even finding the back of the net for the first time in claret and blue against Southampton.
Now, Hammers fans will be buoyed that Obiang will be able to return for his side’s first match of the season, with the 2017-18 fixture list set to be released in four days’ time.