Source: Daily_Mail
Cole's recovery from a knee injury could give Hammers boss Zola a selection headache
Carlton Cole could be a surprise inclusion in West Ham's[LNB]team to face Bolton [LNB]tomorrow. The striker limped off in the first half of the 1-1 FA Cup fifth round tiewith Middlesbrough [LNB]last weekend and, although no serious ankle damage showed up on a scan, was still expected to be out for at least two weeks.[LNB]But he has responded well to treatment and West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola said: 'Carlton has made really good progress this week. I don't know, though, if he will be ready for tomorrow.'[LNB] Zola blasts Boa Morte boo-boys in appeal to boost injured Hammer[LNB]Van der Sar is the Premier keeper, but what about the others?[LNB]WEST HAM UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB [LNB][LNB]Definitely missing is Luis Boa Morte, who has a groin injury, plus suspended captain Lucas Neill.[LNB] Bad knock: But Carlton Cole looks to have recovered quicker than expected[LNB] Zola also confirmed that Neill and goalkeeper Robert Green are expected to sign new, improved deals in the near future while talks have also opened with England defenderMatthew Upson about a new contract.[LNB]The Hammers remain one of the Premier League's in-form sides, but their rookie boss is aware his management skills will be put to the test as the club begin a demanding spell of four matches in 11 days. [LNB]Zola believed his squad was too big before the transfer window but eight players left the club in January and the opposite now applies. [LNB]Ready for a game: West Ham new boy Radoslav Kovac[LNB] 'Physically we are okay at the moment,' said Zola. 'I am watching the fitness statistics very carefully and hopefully we will cope, but if somebody gets very tired we shouldhave a replacement ready.'[LNB]One who should soon get his chance is Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac, who is on loan from Spartak Moscow until the end of the season. [LNB]Kovac, who can also play in the centre of defence, has already expressed his wish for a permanent contract and Zola confirmed that the 29-year-old is knocking on the door.[LNB]'Kovac has been training hard and is coming on very well,' said Zola. 'I am sure that, either against Bolton or in the FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough next Wednesday, he will get his chance.'[LNB]Kovac could even come in for Neill tomorrow but Jonathan Spector, who has been out for much of the season with a hip problem, is a more likely replacement.[LNB]Zola, while admitting that Bolton pose a tough challenge, believes his side will be eager for revenge after a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park in October. [LNB]'That was my third game in charge and I don't think we deserved that scoreline,' he said. [LNB]'We will try and play our game. Obviously we know their strengths but maybe they have some weaknesses as well and we hope to exploit them.' [LNB] [LNB]
