Park Ji-sung is in line to make his first start since March when Manchester United attempt to consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League at West Ham today.
The South Korean made his first appearance since damaging knee ligaments in the win over Sunderland that took United one point clear of second-placed Arsenal.
Now, with Sir Alex Ferguson anxious to spread the load of the crowded holiday program throughout his squad, Park is expected to be drafted into the starting line-up at Upton Park.
"I was delighted with Park's performance," said Ferguson after the Sunderland game. "It was an important day for him. He came on and got more than half an hour under his belt so we are all pleased with him."
The winger showed no ill effects after his nine month lay-off, slotting in on the right hand flank and making an immediate impact.
"He's a natural mover," Ferguson said. "When his team passes the ball he moves -- he's always had a great talent for that."
"He kept moving, he kept passing, he kept running behind the Sunderland defense. He gave us a lot of energy and it was good to see," he said.
The return of Park means Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are United's only long-term absentees and French striker Louis Saha believes the club's strength in depth will prove crucial in the second half of the season.
Midfielder Owen Hargreaves was forced to postpone his comeback at Sunderland but will come into contention against West Ham, although goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is definitely out.
The London club recorded a double over Ferguson's side last season, including a final day victory which saved the Hammers from relegation.
Their form this season has been patchy but Alan Curbishley's side remain comfortable in ninth position.
The Hammers go into the game on the back of a frustrating home draw with Reading on Wednesday but goalkeeper Robert Green is confident they can one better against the league leaders.
"We have played well against teams from the top," Green said. "We had a good game against Chelsea earlier this season and were disappointed to lose it. It was a little bit flat against Reading and hopefully the fans will be really up for Saturday."
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