West Ham prep for Chelsea

Five talking points from training ahead of the Chelsea clash, including player returns and Paqueta's quiet mood.

West Ham prepare for Chelsea with key returns and Paqueta left isolated

West Ham released training footage ahead of the London derby with Chelsea, showing two players back in training after absences. Callum Marshall and Crysencio Summerville took part, while Guilherme remains sidelined with a collarbone injury. New signing El Hadji Malick Diouf impressed with pace in a drill as the mood around camp appeared more upbeat than after the Sunderland defeat.

Paqueta was notably quiet in the session, a sign that his form and future in the team are under scrutiny. The defense faced questions after a difficult opener, with Todibo under pressure and transfer activity limiting the squad's cohesion. The club faces a tough clash against Chelsea with work to do on and off the pitch.

What we see in training points to a team still finding its footing under Graham Potter. Returns from injury and the arrival of a pacey new attacker raise hopes, but the disappointing start has cooled preseason optimism and increased scrutiny of the manager.

Beyond the Xs and Os, the story is about culture and morale. Paqueta’s quiet mood could ripple through the squad if not addressed, and the club must balance ambition with reality in a crowded London derby schedule. The next few days will show whether these training glimpses translate into improved performances on the field.

Highlights

Friday's result could redefine the mood around Rush Green