West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Upson return lifts Hammers

22 Feb 2007 - 09:59:18

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West Ham's bid to beat the drop could be boosted by the return of Matthew Upson in time for Saturday's relegation showdown with Charlton Athletic.

Upson suffered a calf injury on his Hammers debut in the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on February 3 but could return to face the Addicks at The Valley in a match billed as a relegation six-pointer.

The former England defender has returned to full training following his £6million move from Birmingham City during the transfer window.

Meanwhile, West Ham physio Steve Allen has confirmed that Upson's fellow new signing Lucas Neill is also close to returning to training after an injury-plagued start to his Upton Park career.

The former Blackburn Rovers full-back has limped off in both of his starts for the struggling club since his £1.5million January transfer.

"There's light at the end of the tunnel now," Allen told the club's official website.

"But we need a bit of luck. In our last six games we've had eight players go off injured. Hopefully everyone's on their way back to full fitness now.

"Lucas Neill is progressing well following his ankle and knee injuries. Matty Upson is progressing okay and we're hopeful he'll return to full training this week."