West Ham’s Lukasz Fabianski could be in contention for Boxing Day return | Football

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is nearing full fitness and could be in contention for West Ham’s Boxing Day match against Crystal Palace, Manuel Pellegrini said. The manager added that fellow stopper David Martin, who suffered a similar hip injury against Southampton earlier this month, is also in line to return over the festive period. He also admitted that the beleaguered Roberto “didn’t have good performances” when deputising for Fabianski, but offered the Spaniard a lukewarm vote of confidence as he remains on standby for a return to the side.

Fabianski tore his hip muscle while taking a goal-kick during the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on 22 September, and was replaced by Roberto, whose gaffe-prone run in the side could see him sold in the January transfer window. The 33-year-old’s form was so alarming that pressure has been heaped on Mario Husillos, the Argentinian director of football responsible for bringing him to the club last summer. He was subsequently replaced in the side by Martin but may find himself back in action if neither of his rivals for the position are passed fit.

After West Ham’s Premier League match against Liverpool was postponed due to the European champions’ participation in the Club World Cup in Qatar, Pellegrini’s side have had 12 days between games. However they now have a run of three in seven days, with the Palace match followed by the visit of Leicester on Saturday and Bournemouth on New Year’s Day.

Speaking on Monday, the manager said he would assess both keepers’ fitness before the fixture at Selhurst Park: “Both of them are recovering, we will see in the next days who is able to play. I don’t think either will be able to play both games in 48 hours, so we’ll see in the next couple of days who will be playing at Crystal Palace. Fabianski is working every day a little bit harder. If he is not ready for the 26th [Palace], then maybe the 28th [Leicester] or the 1st [Bournemouth].”

Pellegrini added: “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.”

The club has also been boosted by positive updates on midfielders Manuel Lanzini, who has been sidelined since November with a collarbone fracture, and Felipe Anderson. Pellegrini said: “Lanzini has worked without any problems for around 10 days. It’s maybe more easy to return after a shoulder injury. Felipe has worked a complete week without problems after his illness. Jack Wilshere has had some problems with his groin so he hasn’t worked with the squad.”