West Ham United defender Thilo Kehrer has returned to training this week and could be in contention to play at the weekend.

The Lowdown: Injury trouble

Following a £10.1m move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, Kehrer has proved an important part of David Moyes’ side, with the 26-year-old playing 22 times for the Hammers so far this season.

However, since the World Cup, he’s seen his minutes fall at the London Stadium, starting just two of the last five Premier League games after previously playing the full 90 minutes in every game leading up to the tournament.

The defender lasted only 45 minutes last weekend in the draw against Newcastle United as he was taken off injured at half-time.

The Latest: Ex’s update

There’s good news for the Germany international, who is unlikely to spend any time sidelined - much to the relief of his boss, who may find options light in defence.

Writing on The West Ham Way Patreon page, Hammers insider ExWHUemployee said: “In better news, despite picking up an injury in the game against Newcastle and being taken off at half-time, Thilo Kehrer trained today and could be in contention to retain his place in the starting team against Chelsea!”

The Verdict: In contention

It’ll be a boost to Moyes, who will want as many options to call on as possible in the London derby against struggling Chelsea, with the Irons' perilous league position meaning it's all hands on deck, with them sitting just one point above the drop heading into the game.

The London Stadium will likely be rocking given the importance of the game as well as the Blues’ recent form which brings one win from five, leaving a positive result potentially there for the taking.

With Ex also revealing that Kurt Zouma will remain out injured, the news that Kehrer is in line to return will be a welcome one, with youngster Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell the only two defenders on the bench against Newcastle after Craig Dawson wasn’t replaced following his £3.3m switch to Wolves.