Sam Allardyce has revealed the injury to Cheikhou Kouyate is not as bad as first feared.
Central midfielder Kouyate was scythed down by a dreadful tackle from Wellington Phoenix's Louis Fenton in the opening minutes of yesterday's 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat.However Big Sam revealed at a press conference that the 24-year-old Senegal international has shown signs of improvement having limped off the field following the shin-high, studs-up challenge.
"Cheik's gone for a scan just to make sure there's no more damage above the ankle where the boy tackled him," said the West Ham boss.
"He was rather fortunate that he didn't break his leg, so we're pleased about that. There were one or two naughty challenges but I thought the lads got a really good workout.
"He [Kouyate] was limping this morning but he's not as bad as he was last night."
Allardyce also revealed that James Tomkins had taken a knock during the game and like Kouyate, has remained in Auckland for the time being to receive treatment.
"James Tomkins has got a groin strain," confirmed Allardyce. "There was little point in them flying here [to Wellington] today."
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