West Ham winger Julien Faubert is set for a return to training next week and could be back in action by January.

The 24-year-old Frenchman has been running in the last month after suffering an Achilles injury during pre-season, shortly after his move from Bordeaux.

"We are expecting him back here at the training ground next week," said Hammers boss Alan Curbishley.

"He has been off in a rehab clinic in the south of France. It sounds nice but it is where the French players go to recover.

"He has worked ever so hard so we are hoping he may be back in contention in the new year. Certainly by the end of January.

"I would like to think if he has a decent rehab out on the pitches then he shouldn't be far off that."