Two of West Ham United’s forgotten first-team players have resurfaced in the club’s latest batch of training photographs ahead of next weekend’s Championship clash with QPR.
Maxwel Cornet and Adama Boiro were both pictured taking part in training at Rush Green this week, despite barely featuring in Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans during the opening months of the season.
Cornet’s appearance is surprising because the Ivorian has yet to be named in a single Championship or Carabao Cup matchday squad this term.
His future looked uncertain throughout the summer and, despite remaining at the club beyond the transfer deadline, there has been little indication that he’s even remotely close to forcing his way back into Nuno’s thinking.
It would be some comeback for Cornet, given he hasn’t played a single minute for the Hammers since the 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in April 2024.
That was under David Moyes, meaning the winger hasn’t featured for any of the Scot’s successors – Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter and now Nuno – while he’s also been sent on loan to Southampton and Genoa during that time.
Meanwhile, Boiro made his West Ham debut from the bench against Derby County earlier in September, but the 23-year-old has not been seen in a matchday squad since being an unnamed substitute in the 3-2 victory at Bolton a few days later.
So him appearing in the latest training gallery is a hint that he’s ready to be included in Nuno’s plans after the international break.
Soungoutou Magassa was also pictured taking part in the session after appearing in a Championship matchday squad for the first time against Millwall.
Indeed, none of this necessarily means Cornet, Boiro or Magassa are in contention to face QPR.
Training galleries only provide a snapshot of the work being done at Rush Green, while Nuno has shown little inclination so far to make major changes to the group that has established itself during West Ham’s recent improvement.
What the pictures do confirm is that several players who have largely disappeared from view remain involved in and around the first team.
Cornet’s situation will attract the most attention after his long-term absence from first-team involvement, while Boiro will be hoping his debut against Derby was only the beginning rather than his sole opportunity.
After weeks out of sight, Hammers fans have been given a reminder that they are still very much around fighting for their place.
