Injured West Ham United forward Andre Ayew has made “great progress” in his quest to regain fitness, the club’s head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke has said.

The Ghanaian pulled out of his debut game for the Hammers after 35 minutes following a hamstring strain in their 2-1 league defeat to Chelsea last month. He was initially reported to be facing four months on the sidelines, but subsequent examinations say the 26-year-old could be back in October.

“We have four injured players at present – Andre Ayew, Aaron Cresswell, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho,” Vandenbroucke told his club’s official website. “Andre is also working hard in the morning and the evening. “He is extremely motivated to play football as soon as possible.

“We have made great progress and he will get back stronger but the reality is that it will take time.” Ayew joined West Ham in August following a bright campaign with Swansea last season, during which he scored 12 goals in 34 Premier League appearances.

He has also featured for French sides Marseille, Arles-Avignon and Lorient.