Slaven Bilic optimistic West Ham's Javier Hernandez will be fit for Brighton

By Mark Crellin

West Ham have had 12 players sent off under Slaven Bilic but the manager does not think a lack of discipline is an issue

Slaven Bilic says he is expecting forward Javier Hernandez to be fit for the Friday Night Football clash at home to Brighton, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm.

The former Manchester United man pulled up in training on Tuesday, but a scan has come back all clear and he will train as usual on Thursday afternoon.

With Andy Carroll suspended and Diafra Sakho injured, a Hernandez injury would leave the Hammers thin in attack, but Bilic believes the Mexican striker will be available.

"Chicharito (Hernandez) had only a tight hamstring but he will train at 4pm. It's not a big thing.

"He trained a couple of days ago. He felt a little bit of a tight hamstring, we scanned it - which is very important - and the scan was completely clear.

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"He only missed yesterday's training, which was a light session, and he will train today and we are expecting, based on the scan and his feeling, that he will be OK."

Backup goalkeeper Adrian is also expected to be available but James Collins and Sakho will miss out.

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Bilic said: "Adrian was sick for a couple of days with a little bit of vomiting but he feels much better and he is back training today.

"We have a couple that are out because of injury.

Image: Diafra Sakho is set to miss out with a back injury

"Collins, it is a matter of days, and Sakho, he has a back pain, he didn't train since the game against Burnley.

"So, the two of them are out for tomorrow's game."

Young Spanish forward Toni Martinez has been in impressive form for the U23 team, prompting speculation that he might be promoted to the senior squad, in light of the striker shortage.

Bilic, however, added: "He is showing good form and is improving a lot, but we have enough options so he probably will not be in the squad."

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