Pellegrini should play Arnautovic against Wimbledon to confirm he won’t be leaving

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Marko Arnautovic has returned to training with West Ham ahead of their trip to face Wimbledon tomorrow night, according to the Sun.

The controversial Austrian waved goodbye to the club’s fans during the 1-0 win over Arsenal and did not train much or play against Bournemouth last week, as his move to China edged closer.

But that looks to be off the cards now and the process of reintegrating him back into the squad has apparently begun, with Manuel Pellegrini now unwilling to sell until the summer.

And while it remains to be seen whether Arnautovic will be added straight back into contention or made to wait after his mid-season wobble, there is only one realistic choice for Pellegrini.

As much as it may frustrate the fans, the only way to preserve Arnautovic’s sell-on value in the summer is to carry on playing him, to keep him fit and sharp.

It looks as if he has retained the support of the players and his full-blooded personality means that he should still give 100 per cent if he does return to the fold.

He was poor against Arsenal – and Pellegrini cannot tolerate that level of performance moving forward – but Arnautovic should be put back into the team for the trip to Wimbledon.

The Austrian should have a point to prove to everyone connected with the club, and if he produces the goods between now and the end of the season, the fans should take him back onside.