How the West Ham medical department is working every day to keep Hammers squad fit for Premier League restart

West Ham's medical department have relished the challenge of keeping the squad fit and motivated during the lockdown and has hailed the commitment of the players.

It has now been more than a month since the Hammers last played a game and, since the government lockdown was introduced, players have been working alone from their homes.

Progress has been tracked via the Map My Run app while the club have cleared out the gym at their Rush Green training ground and ordered new kit in to ensure the players aren't left wanting as they look to keep fit for any return.

"Everything from dumbbells to kettlebells, barbells and spin bikes to treadmills – everything was distributed to players," said fitness coach Josh Ewens. "We’ve also provided them with cones and balls, so they can at least get a little touch of the ball and keep their technique up at home.

Felipe Anderson, like every other senior player, has an individual programme.
West Ham United

"The next challenge was obviously giving them appropriate work to do. Myself and the rest of the Sports Science and Medical teams have worked hard to make sure that every player has an individual running conditioning programme and an individual strength programme which gets communicated to them on a daily basis.

"The players are spoken to every day to chat about the programmes and see how they’re getting on. That’s obviously been a challenge with 25 of them, but one that the department have relished."

Club nutritionists have also been sending individual deliveries of food and remotely helping those living alone in lockdown with their cooking and food preparation.

In a bid to keep morale high, players have been taking part in online video training sessions and communication on the club WhatsApp, whether that be between the squad or from coaches and manager David Moyes.

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"The other challenge that we’ve faced, as I’m sure everyone has, is psychological," said Ewens. "It’s very difficult for many people all over society, and that’s the same with the lads: some are on their own in isolation, from different countries, with families in different countries, and some players have young families at home with them all day now.

"Regular communication from my department, the manager and the coaching staff, has been helpful.

"The lads have been absolutely outstanding. They’re extremely motivated to work. They know there’s a lot more work to be done this season, and they’re looking forward to being back, ready, and fit to finish the season strong."

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