Diafra Sakho could return for West Ham’s match with Everton as Slaven Bilic dismisses claims of blazing row

Slaven Bilic has brushed off claims that Diafra Sakho missed the weekend trip to Sunderland following a row with the West Ham manager.

Reports over the Easter weekend claimed the pair were involved in a blazing row after the striker refused to be named as a substitute for Saturday’s game.

But Bilic is adamant that the striker was still not fully fit, but confirmed Sakho hopes to return for this weekend’s clash with Everton.

“It was in the ‘papers that I had a row with Diaf, but no, there is no rift between us,” said Bilic. “I called Diaf on the day we travelled to Sunderland and asked him what was happening because he got injured and all that.

“He said ‘I am only frustrated because I have a small injury but I hope to be back for the game against Everton’ and we will see that. There was no argument whatsoever between us.

“I can say from my direct conversation with Diaf that it’s not the case and it’s not true what it said in the ‘papers.”

The Hammers will also be boosted by the return of Winston Reid from a groin injury.

“He’s been training with the rehab and fitness coaches for a week now and they have done good work on his fitness, so he is back and trained with us on Tuesday.

“We know from before that he doesn’t need many games to get his form good, so it’s big for us of course because he’s one of our major players, one of the senators, as I call them. It’s a big boost for us for the remainder of the season.

“He is one of our best players of the season, so we are expecting him to make our defence more solid.”