Slaven Bilic: West Ham quality will 'totally change' when Dimitri Payet and other key players return from injury

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Sam Long29 August 2016

Slaven Bilic believes the quality within West Ham's team will "totally change" when a number of key players return from injury.

The Hammers have endured a disappointing start to the season after winning just one of their opening three Premier League games.

West Ham also suffered a shock defeat to Astra Giurgiu, which saw the east Londoners fail to reach the Europa League group stages for the second season in a row.

However, an ongoing injury crisis has contributed to the Hammers' slow start, with talisman Dimitri Payet having been restricted to a single cameo appearance at Chelsea.

Strikers Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew are set for extended periods on the sidelines while another new signing - Sofiane Feghouli - is struggling with a hamstring problem.

The quartet are set to return after the conclusion of the international break and Bilic is adamant they will help to reverse West Ham's recent fortunes.

“A few of them will definitely be back after the international break," Bilic told the club's official website.

"Lanzini came back today and he’s not injured any more, then it should be Payet, Feghouli, maybe a few others and maybe Carroll.

“Of course it’s going to change totally the shape of the team and also the quality.”

West Ham face Watford at the London Stadium on September 10 and will be aiming to secure all three points against Walter Mazzarri's side to ensure they do not lose any further ground on their rivals.

David Gold expects Payet to be available for selection for the visit of the Hornets, quashing recent speculation surrounding the Frenchman's future as deadline day approaches.

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