Hutchison eyes Hammers return
West Ham's Scottish midfielder Don Hutchison could be ready for a first-team recall by October.
Hutchison damaged knee ligaments last February and there were fears that the former Liverpool, Everton and Sunderland star could be out for a year.
The 31-year-old underwent an operation to repair the damaged ligaments in Canada, however, and has since been working hard on his rehabilitation.
Manager Glenn Roeder said: "Don's making good progress. He's been doing some running this week, but we won't rush things. We will be guided by the people who know."
West Ham's other big injury worries before Monday's opening Premiership match are another of their midfield players, Northern Ireland international Steve Lomas, plus Italian striker Paolo Di Canio.
Both are certain to miss the big kick-off while Lomas could be out for some time after complaining of leg pain.
The former Manchester City man battled back from long-term injury last season.
Roeder admitted: "We're still not sure what the trouble is. Steve is experiencing pain at the top of the shin and it's a bit of a mystery."
