Everton winger Theo Walcott is making strong progress in his recovery from a rib injury and hopes to be fit to face West Ham in a boost for the club, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The regional newspaper report that the 29-year-old forward has experienced no complications with the injury, which forced him off in the second half against Huddersfield last time out.
The Echo claim that the decision on whether he will be passed fit for the Hammers clash will depend on the amount of pain that Walcott is still feeling next weekend, and whether the in-form winger can play with it.
OPINION
The signs are promising for Walcott and Everton as they prepare to face a West Ham side which will be keen on securing their first points of the new Premier League season. Having the former Arsenal man back will be important for manager Marco Silva, who is having to deal with some injury and suspension problems in attacking areas. Walcott has been in good form so far this term, scoring two goals and laying on one assist, and having him back to face the Irons will be a huge boost for the Toffees. Silva and his squad will be keen on securing the three points here, with their start to the term being rather indifferent. Six points from four games is not the worst start, but the Toffees will have hoped for more, with their draw against Huddersfield being a particularly disappointing result. A win against the Hammers would be a good way of returning from the international break, and would propel them further up the table from their current seventh place.