West Ham are back in action on Saturday when they take on Sunderland at home. The Hammers closed the gap to safety to five points with a big away win over Tottenham last weekend, but they still have plenty of work to do if they want to catch Nottingham Forest.

Consistency will be king for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, and they need to follow up that Spurs result with a positive result at home here, and such a result would also help give the fans some belief and get them back onside after tough recent months.

Sunderland are up in ninth place and in the European chase in their first season back in the Premier League, just two points off fifth place currently. The Black Cats beat Crystal Palace at home last time out, and they will welcome back a number of players here after going without as many as six players due to the African Cup of Nations, though some of those have been returning over recent weeks due to elimination from the competition.

Here we round up the latest injury news surrounding both teams ahead of this one.

Arthur Masuaku – Out

Le Bris has confirmed: “Arthur Masuaku also returned from AFCON with an ankle injury, and will miss the next four-six weeks.”

Bertrand Traore – Out

Traore is also going to be out until February. Le Bris has said: “We are expecting a three-to-four-week process. We won’t rush him, but he will be back soon. We have other options.”

Lucas Paquetá – Doubt

Paquetá has been struggling with a back injury and will be assessed. Santo said around a week ago: “Lucas is still on treatment. Let’s see – we have a couple of days to go.” Paquetá is being linked with an exit, and given the money that could be involved, he may not be risked.