Marko Arnautovic close to making West Ham return after injury lay-off

The five-goal Austrian suffered a hamstring injury against Cardiff on 4 December

Manuel Pellegrini revealed Arnautovic is ahead of schedule (West Ham United via Getty Images)

West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic could make his return to training next week.

The five-goal Austrian suffered a hamstring injury against Cardiff on 4 December and was expected to be sidelined until well into the new year.

But boss Manuel Pellegrini revealed Arnautovic is ahead of schedule, meaning he could even be involved in the squad against Southampton on 27 December and Burnley three days later.

“We will need to see his last examination, but I think that next week he will start working with the team,” said Pellegrini.

The Austrian goes down injured against Cardiff (Getty ) (Getty)

The outlook is less optimistic for injury-plagued Jack Wilshere, who has played just five minutes since September due to two separate ankle problems.

“We don’t know (when he will be back), we will need to wait for the medical assessment but for this moment, we cannot be sure,” said Pellegrini.

PA