After a 2016/17 season blighted by injury, any positive fitness news comes as a boost for West Ham United.

With this in mind, Pedro Obiang’s announcement he expects to be fit in time for the Hammers pre-season schedule will be well received at London Stadium.

The 25-year-old’s season ended in March after surgery on a leg injury suffered in the 3-2 defeat at Leicester City.

His rehab has, thus far, gone to plan and the Spaniard is therefore expecting to take a full part in the Hammers preparations for the new campaign.

“I’m coming back to Rush Green (West Ham training ground) to continue my fitness work in a few days because I have to be ready for July, 5,” he told the club website.

“I have been on holiday with my friends and some family to Mykonos in Greece and Belgrade.

“But now it is the time to think about my work because I want to be ready to play.”

Obiang’s injury came as a bitter blow after a campaign in which he had cemented himself as an integral part of the Hammers first XI.

He made 30 appearances for the club and appears to have gotten used to the demands of the Premier League after joining the Hammers in the summer of 2015.

A long-range strike in the 3-1 win over Southampton at St Mary’s in February was his first goal for the club, and Obiang reflects positively on the campaign, despite still seeing room to improve.

“This last season, the best moments were when I scored my first goal and when I saw the videos of the fans singing my song,” he said.

“I have two things to improve,” he added. “I need to shoot more at the goal and I need to give more assists to my teammates.”

Inevitably a fresh season will see a number of new names join the Irons as Slaven Bilic looks to strengthen his side.

The Hammers boss has already made headway in doing just that with the acquisition of Pablo Zabaleta.

Obiang rates the Argentine right-back, who arrives on a free after being released by Manchester City, and believes he will add plenty to the United dressing room.

“I think he is a really good player, a nice player,” he said. “He has great experience and can help us to become more solid and competitive.”