West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski could be fit for their Boxing Day clash with Crystal Palace, according to Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini.
The Poland international has been out of action since the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on 28 September, having torn hip muscles during the meeting with the Cherries. Roberto was drafted in to cover for Fabianski, but the Spaniard's dire form saw him dropped before the Irons took on Chelsea in late 30 November.
33-year-old Dean Martin was tasked with guarding the net for the trip to Stamford Bridge, and kept a clean-sheet on his Premier League debut as the Hammers overcame the Blues 1-0, thanks to Aaron Cresswell's second-half goal.
A fortnight later, the veteran suffered a hip injury of his own. However, Pellegrini has revealed he and Fabianski are nearing full fitness, the coach saying (as quoted by the Guardian): "
Pellegrini also addressed concerns of Roberto's displays between the sticks, explaining: "Roberto didn’t have good performances when he played, but I always say he has a career behind him, a lot of experience.
"Maybe he was a bit unlucky, but I continue to trust in him. If he has to play, he will do it in the way we know he can do."
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Source : 90min