West Ham United FC

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• Founded:1895
• Manager:Avram Grant

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Hammers pair set to return

25 Oct 2008 - 14:34:42

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West Ham United pair James Collins and Lee Bowyer are set to return from injury in Sunday's London derby with Arsenal.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has revealed that Wales defender Collins is in line to make his first appearance of the season, while Bowyer has recovered from a groin injury dating back to August.

However, England Under-21 midfielder Mark Noble will miss out after damaging his calf in training.

"We have Mark Noble who is going to be out for a few weeks. He just had a tear problem in his calf and that is the bad news," Zola told the club's official website.

"But we have Lee Bowyer coming back from injury and James Collins will be available for the game."

Meanwhile, Zola has revealed that long-term absentee Kieron Dyer is closing in on making his comeback from the double leg break he suffered in August 2007.

"He is not far away but this is the most delicate time," added Zola. "He is progressing very well.

"We are bringing him with us to do the first part of the job that we do (in training) but he still needs a little bit of time.

"He can't really tackle and do things like that. He is doing okay and we are really pleased."