Goalkeeper could face Crystal Palace after three months outDavid Martin also close to fitness but Roberto stands byGoalkeeper 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.