Evan Ferguson is likely to be in the matchday squad for West Ham’s game against Brentford this weekend, according to a source inside the club.

The Republic of Ireland international was not pictured in any training photos published over the past week, prompting fears that the striker has picked up an injury. However, a West Ham spokesman told Hammers News that Ferguson is available for selection:

“He did arrive off the back of having had an ongoing injury but has not suffered any setback although the manager may have to ease him in as he has said himself.”

Ferguson made the move to the London Stadium from Brighton on loan earlier this month, having linked up with his former Seagulls boss Graham Potter.

West Ham will need to manage the forward’s minutes

Concerns about Ferguson‘s overall fitness are warranted. The Irishman has had issues with his knee and ankle that have limited his availability over the past two seasons.

This campaign, the striker has made just two Premier League starts, and he has played just 390 minutes of football in all competitions.

However, Ferguson’s lack of game time has not just been down to fitness problems. His manager at Brighton Fabian Hurzeler has favoured the likes of Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck ahead of him.

Ferguson is unlikely to start on Saturday

Even though the 20-year-old is fit, Potter has emphasised that he won’t be thrust into the starting eleven straight away. It means he may only be used as a substitute against Brentford.

Things could be different for the subsequent fixture versus Arsenal but, for now, fans will have to be satisfied with their new signing getting minutes off the bench.

Read our exclusive interview with ex-Premier League official Peter Walton who discusses why Chelsea’s equaliser against West Ham stood