West Ham United are set to bolstered ahead of the Manchester United game with Said Benraha set for a quick return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Hammers’ winger had been with pre-tournament favourites Algeria for the last few weeks, with the Fennec foxes aiming to defend the trophy.
However, they have suffered a shock elimination having failed to progress from the group stages.
They had suffered an underwhelming start to the tournament, with a 0-0 draw against Sierra Leone, as well as a slender 1-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, meaning they had to win their final group game against the Ivory Coast to stand any chance of progressing to the next stage.
Benrahma ’s Algeria suffered a horrendous start to the match, though, with Franck Kessie and Ibrahima Sangare netting first-half strikes for the Ivory Coast.
Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe compounded their woes by scoring shortly after the break to all but condemn Algeria to elimination.
Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez then continued his nation’s frustrations by hitting the post from the penalty spot, whilst Sofiane Bendebka did give the nation something to cheer with their first goal of the tournament.
It proved to just be a consolation, though, as Algeria finished bottom of Group E and are now set to head home.
Of course, whilst Benrahma will have been disappointed to see his adventure ended, it will only be of benefit to the Hammers, who can welcome back one of their key players.
Ahead of his departure for the tournament, the former Brentford man had hit eight goals in 28 appearances in all competitions.
Whilst he might be too late to take part in this weekend’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, he will be back in training with the Hammers earlier than expected and will surely be available for the FA Cup tussle with Kidderminster Harriers at the start of February.
