West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that Dimitri Payet could make his return from injury a month earlier than expected in the Hammers' first game of the New Year against Liverpool.
The Frenchman starred for West Ham in his first 12 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals, but then damaged ankle ligaments in last month's 1-1 draw at home against Everton.
He was initially expected to be out for around three months, but speaking at a press conference ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Aston Villa, Bilic suggested that his main playmaker could feature at Anfield on January 2.
"It is good news that Dimitri Payet is ahead of schedule," Bilic told reporters. "He should train with us after Villa and is with the fitness coaches now.
"He might be involved in the Liverpool game which would be a big boost for us."
Bilic also revealed that Manuel Lanzini, who has been absent in December with a thigh problem, may return in the home match against Southampton on Monday.
Pascal Lemesre
