He suffered a recurrence of a shin injury in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, and Alan Pardew was unsure whether to risk him. But it is looking good for the Toon No. 19.
Midfielder Yohan Cabaye complained of a tight hamstring in the same game, but he came off the bench in last night’s 2-2 Europa League draw against Club Brugge in Belgium.
The duo will both start against the Hammers, while United manager Alan Pardew will make a late decision on defender Danny Simpson, who has a shoulder injury.
Alan Pardew: “Demba will be fine.
“And we’ve all seen Cabaye play. We’ll wait and see on Danny.
“It’s a shame we have lost Perch for, I think, six weeks with that injury, because he’s had a great season for us.
"But the rest of the group have all got good confidence.”