West Ham have been handed a boost with the news midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is close to a return to action.

The Swede has been missing since suffering a hamstring problem in the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland last month.

It was feared the injury could sideline Ljungberg for the rest of the season - and even force him to miss this summer's Euro 2008 finals.

However Ljungberg is now close to full fitness and could even feature against Derby this weekend.

He told The Times: "The injury was a little weird, especially since it was quite painful.

"It was quite hard for the medical team to diagnose, but I've been told it was an inflamed nerve. Luckily, the hamstring is not injured, which is great.

"The extra work I put in this winter, in the gym, is the reason I am in good shape. Despite being in some pain due to a nerve-root inflammation, the hamstring itself is fine and there is no sign of a pull or strain."

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