West Ham were one of league's best teams before Ogbonna injury

David Moyes has given an update on his West Ham United squad ahead of their upcoming Europa Conference League game.

Moyes wanted to highlight the previous good form of defender Angelo Ogbonna.

Ogbonna has returned to the West Ham squad after suffering a horrendous injury last season.

The Italian centre-back was a mainstay in Moyes’ defence at the start of last season.

The Hammers enjoyed an amazing opening to their campaign winning seven of their first eleven matches.

However, Ogbonna suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Liverpool last November that ended his season.

Moyes has said that West Ham’s best form occurred when Ogbonna was in the team.

The Hammers were in the top four when Ogbonna picked up his injury, but fell to seventh by the end of the campaign.

West Ham’s best form was with Ogbonna in the team

Speaking ahead of their clash with Anderlecht, Moyes said: “At the time we lost Angelo, we were in the top two or three in the league, we had our best form in that period.

“It was maybe when we lost Angelo we started to drop.

“It’s a big injury to come back from, but when you are 33/34, it’s tough. He’s doing really well, I still think he can go again.”

Ogbonna is now back with the West Ham first team and has made five appearances this season.

The £10m signing from Juventus wore the captain’s armband against Anderlecht last week in the absence of Declan Rice.

West Ham have strengthened at the back this summer, which could limit Ogbonna’s chances of getting back into Moyes’ side.

Thilo Kehrer has arrived from PSG and been fantastic, although he’s also capable of playing as a right-back.

Nayef Aguerd has also joined the Hammers, but picked up a serious injury in pre-season.

Ogbonna’s experience of coming back from a major setback will be very useful to Aguerd and Moyes.

Craig Dawson has also returned from an injury set back of his own, and has already been called a ‘Premier League great’ this season.

West Ham will hope to rediscovered their best form soon, whether Ogbonna’s in the side or not.

However, having the experienced Italian as an option is certainly a positive for Moyes.