Westham Manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Marko Arnautovic is ‘100 per cent fit’ ahead of the Hammers’s Premier League clash with Manchester United on Saturday.
Austrian striker Arnautovic hobbled off during West Ham’s vital victory over Everton two weeks ago and missed last weekend’s draw at home to Chelsea. But the 29-year-old returned to training on Wednesday and Pellegrini expects him to face Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils this weekend.
The Chilean tactician said, “Marko worked on Wednesday, he worked with the squad, so I think he is 100 per cent fit for tomorrow.”
After a dismal start to the new season, West Ham have enjoyed a promising few weeks, beating Everton and securing a hard-fought draw against Chelsea. During the week, they sealed an emphatic 8-0 victory against Macclesfield Town in the Carabao Cup.
West Ham have conceded just twice in their last four games and Pellegrini is pleased with the progress.
He said, ‘I’m very happy, not only for Fabian and Diop, but also Angelo Ogbonna’s performance on Wednesday. I think we are defensively improving. I knew Diop well. He was the captain of Toulouse. I told him he needed to know a bit more about the Premier League, but I was absolutely sure he would be a success here. It’s the same with Balbuena.’ Mourinho’s Manchester United travel to east London having been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Derby County in midweek. On his opposing manager,
Pellegrini concluded, “Everyone changes over the years. I think Jose continues to be a top manager. He’s had a brilliant career.”