West Ham United attacker Luis Guilherme has returned to action after sustaining an injury in pre-season, forcing him to miss the opening three Premier League games this term.
According to ExWHUEmployee (via the West Ham Way podcast), Guilherme got 30 minutes off the bench as the Hammers took on Watford in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Manager Graham Potter wants to bring the players back at Rush Green up to speed during the international break, and Guilherme was one of those who benefited from the outing.
Guilherme has not been seen since West Ham’s Premier League Summer Series clash with Everton. He was reportedly out with a collarbone issue.
However, the return of the ‘technically gifted attacking player’ will bolster West Ham, providing Potter with another attacking option.
The 19-year-old joined the club last summer, and even though he has been underwhelming, he has shown glimpses of his brilliance. He will hope he can prove his mettle in East London.
Guilherme’s return to action comes just after Crysencio Summerville shook off an injury to spearhead West Ham to a win over Nottingham Forest off the bench before the international break.
Summerville and Guilherme will be like new signings for Potter, providing spark and x-factor from the flanks. Both wingers can inject life into West Ham’s attack.
Guilherme will likely not secure a starting berth, but he can be a terrific option to bring off the bench and stretch tired legs with his pace and dribbling.
Potter has reverted to a conventional 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, which will enable Summerville and Bowen to start. Guilherme can come on to wreak havoc on the opposition rearguard.
Additionally, he is likely to receive game time, as striker Niclas Fullkrug has suffered another injury setback while on international duty, leaving West Ham with a lighter attack.
However, it is a chance for Callum Wilson to continue his fine form up top.