Dailly is in line for a comeback
Christian Dailly could make a surprise return for West Ham against former club Derby on Saturday.
The Scotland defender broke a bone in his foot in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Tottenham a month ago and the club were resigned to losing him for at least six weeks.
"There is a chance Christian could be fit for this weekend," said Hammers manager Harry Redknapp today, "but it will be touch and go.
"We are missing Stuart Pearce who is suspended so it would be a real boost if Christian was fit but we will leave it late before deciding."
If Dailly misses out, then Pearce's likely replacement is namesake Ian, who has been suffering from a slight hamstring strain.
"At the moment I couldn't say if either or both players will be fit but I'm hoping one of them will make it."
Redknapp will also leave it late before deciding whether to recall Joe Cole against Derby.
"I'll be playing a 4-4-2 formation but I haven't yet decided on my team," said Redknapp. "We played well at Aston Villa last Saturday and deserved the point. A win against Derby would virtually put us safe but we will need to be solid."
