Manuel Lanzini has returned to West Ham’s training ground as he steps up his recovery following knee surgery over the summer.

The midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in training with Argentina just days before the World Cup, ruling him out of the tournament and for the rest of the year.

Lanzini has previously spoken of his hope to return to action in 2019 and has spent the last three months working in Spain alongside the renowned surgeon Dr Ramon Cugat following his surgery back in June.

But the influential midfielder, who scored five times in 29 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers last season, is now back at West Ham’s training ground as he steps up his recovery.

West Ham’s head of medical Richard Collinge told the club’s website: “We’re really pleased for Manu and it’s great to have him back. He’s now at the three-month stage, so I flew out to see Manu and his consultant Dr Cugat at the weekend and the doctor is very happy with his progress after three months.

“Rehab-wise, we have a plan in place and Manu is very disciplined and very motivated and we’re moving in the right direction.

“Manu has been incredibly positive from day one really and, three months down the line, he’s got a target in mind and we’re working towards that, so he’s remained really positive throughout.

“We want to make sure we give him every opportunity to get back as quickly and as safely as possible, so we have certain benchmarks and data levels we need to look at that Manu can surpass to make sure he’s fit and available for Mr Pellegrini.”

Elsewhere, Collinge also provided updates on long-term absentees Andy Carroll and Winston Reid, who are yet to feature for the Hammers this season.

Striker Carroll missed most of pre-season due to an ankle problem, while New Zealand international Reid hasn’t featured after being stretchered off with a knee injury against Swansea City back in March.

But while Collinge had positive news to report on the duo, Hammers fans won't see Carroll and Reid back on the pitch just yet. 

He said: “Andy Carroll is progressing really nicely and he’s going to start doing some work on the pitches this week, so he’s making really good progress.

“Winston Reid is in a knee brace and he’s eight weeks down the line from his surgery and making good progress. He’s going to be a little bit longer, but he’s also making good progress.”