‘Row’ between West Ham and Sakho likely to be played down

West Ham and Diafra Sakho are expected to confirm the striker remains happy at the club, despite the Senegal star’s expletive-laden post on social media.

The striker was the subject of speculation suggesting he had had a training ground row with Hammers boss Slaven Bilic, with these rumours gathering pace when Sakho was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday lunchtime’s visit of Arsenal.

But Bilic insisisted after Saturday’s 3-3 draw with the Gunners – in which Sakho’s replacement Andy Carroll scored a hat-trick – that the 26-year-old had in fact reported an injury that kept him out of the Arsenal game.

West Ham co-chairman David Gold reinforced Bilic’s claim in a Twitter post on Saturday, suggesting Sakho was unwell but should be in contention to return to the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

And Sky Sports also report that sources close to the player said his social media rant – posted on Snapchat – was not aimed at either West Ham or Bilic.

Bilic is likely to address the issue on Tuesday when he faces the media ahead of Wednesday night’s FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United at Upton Park.

Sakho, who joined West Ham from Metz in 2014, has scored six goals for the club this season.