This article is part of Football FanCast's Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players' fitness.

Mark Noble could still be available to play for West Ham United against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, as reported by Football Insider.

What's the story?

The Hammers captain was forced off after just 20 minutes of their 3-0 loss against Burnley, having picked up an ankle injury.

He has been helped out by the international break coming around, but it was still uncertain whether he would be able to make it back in time to face bitter rivals Spurs.

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Football Insider have claimed that the 32-year-old has been recovering well from what turned out to be a sprain, meaning he has a good chance of being able to make it onto the pitch this weekend.

This follows a report from Claret & Hugh that claimed if Noble didn't make it, Wilshere would likely be chosen to partner Declan Rice in the Hammers' midfield.

A blocked route

This news indicates that Wilshere could, once again, have his route to first-team football blocked.

The 27-year-old has only managed 2 Premier League starts and 4 substitute appearances in the Premier League this campaign - it is revealing that he has made an equal number of starts in the Carabao Cup.

Both of his league starts came in the opening two fixtures, which will likely add to any sense of frustration currently being felt due to the minimal amount of minutes he has had.

His lack of game time follows a campaign in which he managed just 4 league starts and 4 appearances off the bench all season, though that was largely down to the fact that he missed 193 days through two separate injuries.

This latest development could mean that the 34-cap England international will be forced to continue waiting for his opportunity to prove himself in the Hammers' midfield.