Hammer Ogbonna optimistic after surgery
Angelo Ogbonna might be out for the remainder of the season but the West Ham defender is already itching for a return.
The Italy centre-back underwent surgery on a knee injury at the start of 2017 and is not expected to return before the next campaign.
But he has revealed that he is on course to come back ahead of schedule, and is grateful for the support he has received at the club.

(Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
He said: “Everything is really good at the moment and I am pleased to say that the surgery went really well.
“I cannot wait to get back playing again and I am taking it step-by-step and looking forward now.
“The recovery will be a lot quicker than I first expected as the surgery was a big success. I just want to get back playing and to help our team.
“I wish that I will play again this season and will get back as soon as possible. The time I spend with my team makes me so happy and I can feel their support.
“The support around me from the team, the manager and the fans has been fantastic and I can feel that. I can work without any pressure.
“The plan now is to keep my rehab going and when my knee is ready I can get back to training again.
“I have to stay strong mentally and I don’t have any problems with that. My behaviour will stay the same. I have a lot of good friends here and I am not alone.”