West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini thinks Samir Nasri will have a big role to play this season but isn’t sure if he will make his debut in the FA Cup tie against Birmingham this weekend.
Nasri has been out of the game for the best part of 12 months after being handed a doping ban after he received an intravenous drip of water containing nutrients.
He mutually agreed to cancel his contract with Turkish side Antalyaspor before signing for the Hammers on a free transfer, and having worked with him at Man City, Manuel Pellegrini thinks the Frenchman will ‘make a difference’.
“We will see if he will start playing [against Birmingham], but he will be important this year,” Pellegrini told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
“He is looking well. He has lost some weight. I think football is like riding a bicycle. You never forget. I trust a lot in him.
“He is motivated and working hard. I am sure he will make a difference.”