Manuel Pellegrini has reassured West Ham fans that angry Marko Arnautovic will not be a doubt for Arsenal next weekend after he was withdrawn with just 19 minutes on the clock against Birmingham.
The Austrian, still working back to full fitness after a spell out through injury, reacted angrily to Pellegrini's decision to hook him as a precaution after giving the Hammers the lead after just two minutes.
West Ham's talisman was a surprise inclusion in a starting XI which included six changes from the midweek draw against Brighton.
Pellegrini was quick to play down a touchline exchange with the enigmatic forward, who streched his arms wide questioning the manager's decision to make a change, but admitted that Arnautovic had wanted to continue.
"He felt some pain in his back at the beginning," Pellegrini said. "I thought that it was better to change him because he is just coming off another injury and he played 90 minutes less than 72 hours ago."
"After that he could continue but I think it was not good to take the risk. It was just a precaution.
"He was angry for just one minute,that is it."
Arnautovic was replaced by Andy Carroll who, after a couple of wasted chances, rounded out the win with his first goal of the season, heading home in the first minute of added time.
Pellegrini added: "He scored, missed a good chance, cleared two or three difficult balls. He will return to be the player that we know, for sure. He does not want to go anywhere, he is happy here at this club."
