Sheffield United's next opponents West Ham hope key player is fit as they consider recalling another star name for the trip to Bramall Lane

West Ham could consider recalling Mark Noble for their visit to Sheffield United after Andriy Yarmolenko tested positive for Covid-19.
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Noble, the Londoners’ captain, has not featured for David Moyes’ side since the beginning of last month with the former Manchester United and Everton manager attributing his absence to injury.

However, with Yarmolenko entering isolation following his diagnosis during the international break - he reportedly contracted the virus following Ukraine’s defeat by Poland - there have been suggestions Noble will be named in the squad which makes the journey north on Sunday providing he passes a fitness test.

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West Ham, who lost the corresponding fixture last season 1-0, must also decide whether or not to hand Said Benrahma his first Premier League start after his move from Brentford during the recent transfer window. Benrahma also reportedly interested Chelsea before joining their rivals on loan until the end of the season, when the deal will become permanent.

West Ham's Andriy Yarmolenko (L) has been diagnised with Covid-19: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty ImagesWest Ham's Andriy Yarmolenko (L) has been diagnised with Covid-19: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images
West Ham's Andriy Yarmolenko (L) has been diagnised with Covid-19: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images

Mikail Antonio, previously of Sheffield Wednesday, has been undergoing treatment for a hamstring complaint and is scheduled to be assessed before making the trip to South Yorkshire. Although losing their leading goalscorer would deal a blow to Moyes’ hopes of extending United’s winless run - they have taken only a point from their first eight outings of the new campaign - such is Antonio’s importance to the Scot he is unlikely to even be named on the bench unless medical staff at the London Stadium give the all-clear.

However, Moyes last night expressed his confidence that Antonio will receive permission to take part.

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