West Ham United boss David Moyes is 'hopeful' that Kurt Zouma will be available for Saturday lunchtime's Premier League encounter with Newcastle United.
The 27-year-old was forced to drop out of last weekend's starting lineup against Leicester City after feeling unwell in the warm-up.
Moyes has since revealed in his pre-match press conference that Zouma is feeling better and has trained ahead of their clash with the Magpies.
"He is better but it has taken him a couple of days to get over it. He had quite a bad sickness and illness but he has trained the last couple of days so I am hoping he will be available," the Scotsman said on Friday.
Moyes was also questioned about an update on Zouma's investigation by the RSPCA, but the Hammers head coach expressed his uncertainty over the situation.
The French centre-back was filmed kicking and slapping his pet cat earlier this month and has since been fined £250,000 by West Ham, while his cats have been taken away by the RSPCA as they carry out their investigation.
Moyes added: "I don't know exactly where and when the money goes but what I do know is there is an investigation going on at the moment, it takes time and then I am guessing that is when the money will be passed over but I am not an expert on that."
In addition, Moyes has revealed that 'one or two players' are doubtful for the game against Newcastle, but he was not prepared to reveal who may not feature.
"We have one or two doubts and questions marks over some players who have picked up some injuries but obviously I will not give that away but we have just like every other club we have one or two injuries at the moment," Moyes added.
West Ham would climb above Manchester United and back into the top four if they were to claim maximum points against the Magpies at the London Stadium.
Oliver Thomas
