Cheikhou Kouyate set to return for West Ham’s League Cup clash at Cheltenham

West Ham, badly needing a victory following defeats in their first two Premier League matches, will be boosted by the return of midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate for tonight’s League Cup tie at third-tier side Cheltenham.

The Senegal international, who was injured in pre-season, is in the squad tonight for a match manager Slaven Bilic knows his team must win to ease the building pressure on him.

Kouyate is likely to start on the bench but looks certain to see some action tonight, as Bilic tries to strengthen his midfield before Saturday’s clash at Newcastle.

Bilic’s ultimate aim is to see the athletic Kouyate paired in midfield with Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho and talks are on-going between the clubs over a deal for the Portugal international.

With just over a week to go before the transfer window closes, however, there remains a £5million gap between West Ham’s most recent offer and Sporting Lisbon’s £38m asking price.

“We will see what will happen in the last week of the window,” said Bilic.

“If someone goes out, someone may come in. We are ready to do something both ways.”

One probable departure is Scotland international Robert Snodgrass, who is wanted by Championship sides Aston Villa and Sunderland.

Bilic, meanwhile, looks certain to make significant changes to his team for tonight’s cup tie. With Winston Reid injured plus Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll not yet ready to come back, James Collins, Arthur Masuaku, Sam Byram and Pedro Obiang look likely to figure.

Goalkeeper Adrian comes in for his first appearance of the season against the team he faced on his West Ham debut four seasons ago.

“It’s a great opportunity for me, the first time I have worn the West Ham shirt this season,” said Adrian. “I am 100 per cent ready and will give my best to help the team.”

Missing tonight will be another of Bilic’s summer signings, Marko Arnautovic, who begins a three-match ban after being sent off against Southampton.

“He has apologised three or four times [for his red card] — in the bus, in the dressing room. I told him, ‘yes, that’s nice but you can’t do that’,” said Bilic.

“Let’s not talk about how it happened. You just can’t do things like that.

“I’m fuming still now but no more can this happen, either with him or anyone else. I’m confident the message got through.”