West Ham United have received a timely boost amid their current injury crisis, following an update regarding the fitness of summer signing, Nayef Aguerd.

What's the word?

As per club insider Claret and Hugh, the Moroccan has been pictured back in first-team training following his lengthy injury absence, with the 26-year-old having yet to feature so far this term since his £30m arrival from Stade Rennais back in June.

The impressive centre-back had been forced to undergo ankle surgery after limping off in the Hammers' pre-season friendly clash with Rangers, with initial fears that he could potentially be ruled out until the New Year.

This latest update appears to suggest that a return to action could well come sooner rather than later, although as per the report, the 25-cap gem will not be available to feature against Liverpool on Wednesday evening.

Moyes should be delighted

News of the one-time Lorient man's impending return has come at an ideal time for Irons boss David Moyes, with the 59-year-old currently facing something of a defensive injury crisis amid this hectic run of fixtures.

Sunday's draw with Southampton saw the first-choice, centre-back pairing of Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson miss the trip to St Mary's with illness and injury issues, respectively, while veteran defender Angelo Ogbonna was also forced off against Anderlecht last week, albeit with the Italian ace making a return to the bench at the weekend.

Having Aguerd fit again would no doubt ease those current concerns, while also providing the east Londoners with increased competition for places, with Moyes' men seeking to stay competitive both in Europe and domestically.

It has likely been a real source of frustration for the former Everton boss not to have had the new addition available so far this season, with the Scotsman now likely delighted that the former Rennes man is edging closer to a long-awaited debut.

The 6 foot 2 ace would undoubtedly provide a real presence in the air for the London Stadium outfit, as he notably ranks in the top 14% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe's big five leagues - as a result of his form in France - with that a far better record than that of both Zouma (top 45%) and Dawson (top 42%).

Such a commanding presence could well be what is needed as the club look to improve upon their mixed start to the new season - having picked up just 11 points from their opening ten Premier League games - with excitement now brewing at the thought of getting to see Aguerd in action in the near future.