FREDDIE Ljungberg could make a welcome return for West Ham's home clash with Derby County after tests revealed that he had not injured his hamstring, as was originally feared.

The Swede was carried off after collapsing in agony during the closing stages of the Irons' 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on March 29.

The initial prognosis suggested Ljungberg had strained his hamstring, but subsequent scans have revealed that the 30-year-old instead suffered an inflamed nerve in his leg.

"The injury was a little weird, especially since it was quite painful," said Ljungberg, who had been in decent form before being sidelined for the Irons back-to-back defeats to Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers.

"It was quite hard for the medical team to diagnose but I've been told it was an inflammated nerve.

"Thankfully I am getting back to full fitness very quickly."

Ljungberg's career has been riddled by injuries, but despite being laid low by a calf injury and a serious migraine since his £3million summer move from Arsenal, the Sweden captain has managed 26 appearances and two goals for the Hammers this season.

And the midfielder is hopeful of adding to those statistics by returning to action in Saturday's visit of doomed Derby County to Upton Park.

"Luckily the hamstring is not injured, which is great. It is likely I will be fully ready this coming week and available for this weekend game," he revealed.

"I am lucky it wasn't a hamstring injury, and I have been told that the extra work I put in this winter, in the gym, is the reason I am in good shape."

"Despite being in some pain due to a nerve root inflammation, the hamstring itself is fine and there is no sign of a pull or strain."

Ljungberg has returned to full training at Chadwell Heath this week.