West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds at The London Stadium(16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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On the fitness of his squad returning from the international break, Nuno said: “Assessing players. International break – positive that many of our players achieved big things. Some not so happy, some returned with issues. We are assessing.”
Asked specifically about the fitness of Crysencio Summerville, who has missed the Hammers’ last two Premier League games with a calf problem, he added: “All of us trying to get him fit as soon as possible. Assessing him day-by-day to see how he improves. If he feels good then we take decisions.”
Nuno emphasised the work done over the international break with the players who remained with the club has been “positive”.
On balancing an FA Cup run with the Premier League relegation battle: “We play and prepare for one game at a time. We are preparing for the FA Cup as best as we can so we can go through. We cannot think about the Wolves game. First we play the game against Leeds, preparing well, competing well and then move forward.”
What would it mean to lead West Ham to their first FA Cup semi-final in 20 years?: “We have to play the game. It’s always the same. We know what it means for our fans, it has been great for us to play at home. We expect support, we know it is a big night. Let’s enjoy it and play.”
More on the fans: “We know they are going to be there for us. The help from the fans to the team has been great. We cannot thank them enough.”
On the defeat at Elland Road earlier this season: “It’s been a while, both teams have changed a lot. We know it will be difficult but that game is too far away to analyse. We learn from experiences, there is always something to take on board to try and ratify.”
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[BBC]
