Exclusive: West Ham take cautious approach as Crysencio Summerville steps up injury return | OneFootball

Former Leeds winger has featured just once under Graham Potter so far after undergoing hamstring surgery

No rush: West Ham do not want to risk any further setbacks with Crysencio Summerville’s fitness

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West Ham are proceeding with caution over the return of winger Crysencio Summerville as he steps up his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Summerville, who signed for the Hammers from Leeds for over £25million last summer, missed the final 18 games of the season after undergoing surgery on an issue suffered during Graham Potter's first game in charge against Aston Villa in the FA Cup back in January.

The 23-year-old has continued to make steady progress this summer, but West Ham are cautious not to rush things after a setback last season led to that operation.

Following the departure of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham in a £55m deal last week, next season is viewed as an opportunity for Summerville to stake a claim for regular first-team minutes.

His rehabilitation, however, takes precedence, and he's unlikely to be available in the opening weeks of the season.

The Dutch winger played 19 Premier League games last season, scoring his first and only goal for West Ham to date at home to Manchester United in Erik ten Hag's last match in charge of the Red Devils.

Summerville has travelled with the squad for their week-long training camp in Germany but is on an individualised training plan and not expected to go to America for the Premier League Summer Series.

West Ham deem the travel involved in their trip to the USA as not being beneficial to Summerville's recovery, and he will stay in England while the rest of the squad prepare for the new campaign.

It is hoped that Summerville can be involved with the team once they are back from America but nothing will be rushed.

Summerville is considered a key part of Potter's plans despite having played just 45 minutes since the former Chelsea boss arrived at the club.