Manuel Lanzini 'like a new signing' after return from knee injury | OneFootball

Aaron Cresswell believes that Manuel Lanzini’s return to fitness will be like having “a new signing” for West Ham’s final games of the season.

Lanzini has been out of action for the entire campaign after suffering cruciate ligament damage in May last year.

But the Argentine made a return to action on Friday as the Hammers beat Fulham to go into ninth place in the Premier League.

And Cresswell is hopeful that with the playmaker back in action his side can potentially challenge for the last remaining European place.

“He’s obviously been out for a long time and for us it’s like a new signing coming in for us now,” said the left-back.

“Everyone knows his quality and it’s great that he’s back.

“I was gutted as he had a couple of chances to score, but it wasn’t to be, but I’m sure he’ll only get better between now and the end of the season.”

West Ham travel to Manchester City on Wednesday before hosting Newcastle three days’ later.