Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues an update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital

Hello everybody,

All the staff were naturally delighted with Friday’s Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Cheikhou Kouyate was outstanding in that game and his performance was all the more impressive when you consider he was playing through the pain of a chronic wrist injury which was aggravated at the Africa Cup of Nations back in January.

He has shown the true spirit of the Hammers by playing with this condition and given everything to the team and to the Club.

Now our Premier League status has been assured, we took the decision for Cheikhou to undergo an operation on his wrist on Tuesday.

He will be in a cast for eight weeks and we wish him all the best with his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning in good time for next season.

Michail Antonio has also had surgery and he has started his own rehabilitation period, again working towards next season.

Diafra Sakho has had a setback with his lower back and we took the decision not to take any risks this season, so he too is working towards next season.

Finally, Andy Carroll is continuing with his rehabilitation after suffering a significant adductor strain.

Stijn Vandenbroucke

Head of Medical and Sports Science