In a potential sign of support for Nuno, the statement announcing Castellanos said he had been "identified as a key target" by the West Ham coach. In an interview on the club website, Castellanos was also asked about Nuno wanting him in the squad and was quoted as saying: "The guys have welcomed me really well, the coach and all."
Castellanos returned last Saturday against Milan at San Siro. He had played his last Serie A match on Saturday October 4 in the 3-3 home draw against Torino. In October, during the first of a two-week international break, he suffered a grade-two tear to his thigh muscle, needing six weeks out. It's logical that he won't be at his best, but the 28 minutes plus injury time at San Siro helped him regain his match rhythm. Now, Maurizio Sarri is ready to start him again (he has the advantage over Dia) because he knows that with Castellanos, the attacking trio has a different level.