West Ham are set for a huge boost ahead of their final five matches of the Premier League season...

What's the latest?

According to the Evening Standard's Jack Rosser, Irons midfielder Declan Rice has returned to training this week and there is even optimism that he could be involved for their trip to Burnley on Monday evening.

The 22-year-old was also pictured back on the grass, which was shared by popular fan account WestHamViews, though it remains to be seen to what extent he was involved.

Rice, now capped 15 times by England, had picked up a worrying knee injury during the last international break, and it was even thought that it was going to put his place at this summer's European Championships at risk, as a result.

Huge boost

The Hammers' impressive and surprising season has taken a turn for the worst in the absence of Rice, having suffered back-to-back defeats against Newcastle United and Chelsea.

David Moyes' side now sit in fifth, three points behind their aforementioned London rivals, whilst the likes of defending champions Liverpool and Spurs are hot on their tail.

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By the time West Ham kick-off at Turf Moor in under a week's time, they could've sunk to seventh place, results dependent, and that would be a massive blow to their lofty European ambitions.

However, having Rice back will be a monumental boost, as he's not only been one of West Ham's best players but one of the best in the Premier League this season, too.

Just this week, former top-flight striker Marcus Bent told Football FanCast exclusively that the 22-year-old "will be one of the world's best" soon, whilst only three other Irons stars have bettered his average WhoScored rating of 7.02.

The £54m-rated star is also the best at reading the game in Moyes' squad, having averaged two interceptions per game, on top of 1.9 tackles and 0.7 key passes, via WhoScored.

Rice, who is now thought to earn around £60k-per-week at the London Stadium, has also been hailed as "exceptional" by Keith Gillespie and "outstanding" by Moyes, so clearly having him back around will benefit their season tenfold.

The 58-year-old Glaswegian will undoubtedly be buzzing to see his "special talent" back in training this week.

AND in other news, GSB could deal Moyes another big blow with West Ham swoop for "special" £18m-rated gem...