West Ham get major striker boost as Bolton face crippling defensive crisis

West Ham have received a major striker boost ahead of Tuesday night's trip to Bolton — just as the Trotters are hit by a crippling defensive crisis. Nuno Espirito Santo had looked set to be without both of his injured forwards after Valentin 'Taty' Castellanos and Pablo Felipe suffered problems around the 3-0 win over Derby. Castellanos was forced off with around 25 minutes remaining of the win over the Rams, with Hammers News understanding his issue to be a hamstring problem, while Pablo was withdrawn from the squad shortly before kick-off after suffering another problem with his calf. West Ham boost as Pablo returns to training ahead of Bolton That represented a significant blow given both forwards had played key roles in West Ham's back-to-back wins over Wolves and Derby. Pablo's hard work and ability to make the team tick had helped change opinion around him, while Castellanos has provided another important option in attack as the Hammers have finally begun to build momentum. Three and easy for the Hammers! Who stood out for YOU in the 3-0 win over Derby? ⚒️ 🐏 Piroe, Austbo and Kante on the scoresheet But as Hammers News revealed over the weekend, West Ham insisted Pablo's latest calf problem was only a 'niggle'. The club were not expected to take any unnecessary risks given Bolton's struggles and the quick turnaround before Friday night's potentially tougher test against Wrexham. Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images MORE WEST HAM STORIES Now West Ham have posted pictures from training on the club's website and Pablo is involved in the session. That does not necessarily guarantee the Brazilian will start against Bolton, but it gives Nuno a vital attacking option — particularly with Castellanos nowhere to be seen in the training images. The timing could hardly be better because Bolton are facing serious problems at the other end of the pitch. Bolton face crippling defensive crisis for visit of Hammers Luca Stephenson is already out, Lewis Brunt is almost certain to be missing after being sent for a scan on an injured hamstring, while Akin Famewo has also joined the injury list after coming off against Millwall with a similar problem. The newly-promoted Trotters could also be without midfielder Josh Sheehan after his sending off at The Den, adding further to their problems after they were thrashed 4-0 by West Ham's bitter rivals Millwall. £38m spent, nine new players: How do YOU rate West Ham's window? 🤨 Which signing are you most excited about? And where did we fall short?' Bolton have not won since their opening-day victory and now face an in-form Hammers side looking to make it three wins on the bounce. West Ham can even go top of the Championship with victory depending on results elsewhere. And while losing both Pablo and Castellanos initially looked like a major problem for Nuno, the sight of the Brazilian back in training provides a timely boost. With Bolton depleted defensively, the Hammers now have a golden opportunity to maintain their momentum, make it three successive victories and lay down a serious marker to the rest of the Championship. Super Tomas Soucek was also pictured in training at Rush Green again. Hammers News carried an exclusive update on quick healer Soucek's expected West Ham return this weekend. And while Bolton probably comes too soon, Soucek's comeback may not be too far away.