Source: Daily_Mail
Alessandro Diamanti to debut against Wigan but Valon Behrami and Herita Ilunga remain sidelined
West Ham's new striker Alessandro Diamanti has dropped straight in to Gianfranco Zola's squad for tomorrow's Premier League clash at Wigan.
Diamanti, who cost West Ham £6million from Italian club Livorno, scored two spectacular free-kicks on his debut against Birmingham reserves on Tuesday night and is set to start on the substitutes'
bench.
However, Valon Behrami's return could be delayed by another week.
Behrami also made a comeback in the 6-0 win over Birmingham but Zola may play him in another reserve team match next week before deciding whether he is ready for a return against Liverpool.
Also missing from tomorrow's line-up is full-back Herita Ilunga, who has not yet fully recovered from the broken jaw he sustained on the opening day of the season at Wolves.
England Under- defender James Tomkins looks certain to fill the void left by James Collins and Zola admitted today it was a tough decision to part with the Welsh international defender, sold to Aston Villa on transfer deadline day for £5m to help finance the Diamanti deal.
Where's the exit? Collins' departure will be felt at the Boleyn
Zola said: 'James is a player who has done really well for me and it was painful for me to let him go.
'Unfortunately we needed someone to go out so we could get a striker to come in. I explained that to him.
'He has gone to a good club though, they have treated him very well and I hope he does for them what he did for us.
'It is tough when you have a guy who was very much integrated with the other players and who is playing well but as long as you have nice and intelligent people like James, then it makes it easier to deal with things like this.'
Zola completes his first year as West Ham manager next Tuesday and remains optimistic the club's financial position will soon improve.
'I am realistic about the situation,' he said. 'It has been like that since last year and we are trying to cope as best we can.
'Hopefully it is not going to be for ever. I am sure something positive will happen to this club because it deserves that.'
Mexican striker Guillermo Franco meanwhile, was expected to arrive in London today to discuss a move to West Ham. Franco, is a non-contract player after leaving Spanish club Villareal.
