West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini has denied reports claiming he will miss the whole of next season through injury and has targeted a return to action in 2019.

Reports earlier this week had claimed that the 25-year-old was set to be ruled out for up to 15 months, after the injury he sustained on international duty with Argentina was worse than first feared.

But taking to social media, Lanzini rubbished those reports, claiming that he is hopeful of returning to action at the beginning of 2019.

The West Ham midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in training with Argentina just a week before the World Cup kicked off, effectively ruling him out of the tournament.

That news proved to be a blow for West Ham as Lanzini has established himself as a key player for the Irons since joining the club initially on loan from Al Jazira in 2015, a move which became permanent the following summer.

The Argentina international was in good form for West Ham once again last season, scoring five goals in 29 appearances, including a double against Everton on the final day of the campaign, helping the Hammers secure a 13th place finish in the Premier League.