Thomas Hitzlsperger(credit:
Stefan Baudy)
Thomas Hitzlsperger has set his sights on making his West Ham debut in February.
The 28-year-old midfielder joined the Hammers from Lazio in the summer but has been sidelined ever since due to a series of injuries.
But having undergone surgery on his troublesome thigh several weeks ago, the Germany international is now hoping to return in time for the crucial Premier League run in, which is likely to see West Ham engaged in a fight for top-flight survival.
Hitzlsperger told WHUTV: “It's a tendon injury and I needed surgery. I spoke to several doctors and they all said the same - I needed surgery and it would take me four months to get back to playing.
“It got done in the middle of October so I should be back in the middle of February.
“There's not a lot you can do after this kind of surgery. The doctors told me to rest for the first four weeks as I was on crutches and couldn't really do much. I started to do conditioning work and to run a week ago.
“Now, the healing process is going well and I'm quite optimistic I'll be able to play in February.
“Things could obviously happen in between but I'm just hoping I will continue making the same progress over the next two months and I'll be back in February.”