Hernandez injury worry for Bilic ahead of crunch match

SLAVEN BILIC has begged West Ham to work hard and get the win he needs against fellow strugglers Swansea today, though they may have to do so without Javier Hernandez.

The Mexico striker is facing a fitness test this morning after picking up an ankle problem in training and Bilic is sweating on his inclusion. Hernandez did not train on Thursday or yesterday.

Question marks hang over Bilic’s future with West Ham in the drop zone after winning just one of their six Premier League games so far.

The Croat’s West Ham deal expires at the end of this season and with Swansea their last opponents before the two-week international break, Bilic does not want to be worrying about his job.

‘Nobody likes to lose at any time but especially when you have two weeks to think about that,’ he said.

‘We want to win this game because otherwise it is not very pleasant to spend those couple of weeks.’

Carlo Ancelotti, sacked by Bayern Munich on Thursday, was immediately linked with West Ham. Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is also believed to be a top target.

A loss to Swansea at the London Stadium would leave Bilic on the brink, and Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio are to be thrown back into the squad today following injuries.

‘There’s been a good spirit since the last international break,’ said Bilic.

‘ Working hard doesn’t mean killing the players with two-hour sessions, but to be focused on and off the pitch and to live for that game on Saturday.

‘That’s what I’m asking of my players now.’