Bilic won't rush Ayew back from injury

Andre Ayew's return to training this week doesn't necessarily mean West Ham's record signing will feature this weekend against Sunderland.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic insists he won't rush Ayew back from the thigh injury he suffered during West Ham's opening match of the season against Chelsea, though Ayew has a good chance to be available for selection ahead of Saturday's game.

"It is a big boost to have Andre Ayew back in training," Bilic said Thursday, according to Sky Sports' Nick Lustig. "He looks good and the medical team have done a great job. We are all delighted.

"We will try to prepare him for games as quickly as possible. We don't want to rush things but it is great that he is back. He has had three sessions with us and is improving every session. He will train today and tomorrow and we will see. We want him back."

Bilic sounds likely to err on the side of caution with Ayew just three months into the four-month recovery time frame the Ghana international initially received.

"He probably needs a little more time before he can be ready for games," Bilic added. "I know it will not take a long time now. He will probably not be in the squad for the game on Saturday."

The 26-year-old joined West Ham from Swansea last summer in a transfer that reportedly cost £20.5 million.