Cheikhou Kouyate Injury: Updates on West Ham Star's Arm and Return

The stuttering form that's undermined West Ham United's strong start to the season nearly looked set to continue after the club almost lost a key utility figure. Versatile, defensive-minded star Cheikhou Kouyate suffered an arm injury during a recent training session, according to Daily Mirror reporter Ed Malyon. Thankfully, he was able to start against Tottenham on Feb. 22, the club announced.

On Feb. 17, Malyon reported Kouyate was the victim of an accident at the east London club's training headquarters at Chadwell Heath.

However, West Ham later released an update, stating that Kouyate was medically cleared to return to practice the next day. 

Former Anderlecht man Kouyate has proved invaluable at times this season. In particular, he's flexible enough to play as a centre-back or holding midfielder.

While Allardyce can welcome back central defender Winston Reid, per a Mirror report from Adrian Kajumba, he could use Kouyate's strength and drive at the base of midfield.

The Hammers were beaten 4-0 in the FA Cup by West Bromwich Albion, a result that even prompted an apology from co-owner David Sullivan, via his official Twitter feed:

But the Hammers have also managed just two points from their last three league games. While the midfielder's injury wasn't serious, this is the worst time for Allardyce's squad to suffer injury scares like this. .