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Winston Reid surplus to requirements upon return from injury at West Ham

Ruled out with a serious knee injury since March, Winston Reid is still some way off a return to Premier League action. When he does make that return, it’s hard to see where he will fit in for West Ham.

Summer signings Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena have immediately become first choice under Manuel Pellegrini and, despite the club’s poor form, are two of the better performers.

Angelo Ogbonna has already found it tough to find a way back into the team and with Reid needing to rebuild his fitness too, it could be even more difficult to achieve.

SWANSEA, WALES – MARCH 03: Winston Reid of West Ham is being carried away on a stretcher during the Premier League match between Swansea City and West Ham United at The Liberty Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)

The New Zealand captain has been first choice for the Hammers in recent years and is a popular figure with fans and still has five years left on his contract at the London Stadium.

However, he is 30-years-old and time and an injury record is not on his side compared to his younger and fitter team-mates.

With such a lengthy contract, it seems unlikely that Reid will be cut off immediately upon his return from injury and there can be little doubting his quality. Despite that, getting into the team will be much easier said than done.