'I was in so much pain': Coufal's fight to be ready for the Hammers

Before he leaves the dressing room for two of the biggest games of his career, Vladimir Coufal will do what he always does. 

He will kiss the bracelet his wife gave him and place it on his seat. He will strap tape around his other wrist, pick up the ball that is left for him by the kitman and make his way out on to the pitch.

Coufal knows how big this week is in the history of West Ham. A trip to Chelsea with slim hopes of the top four still alive before the big one on Thursday: a Europa League semi-final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt, the same side they faced — and beat — in their last European semi-final 46 years ago.

Nevertheless, for Coufal, he won't change a thing. 'It is historic for West Ham,' says the Hammers full back. 'I am quite superstitious and I have my rituals but it is not just about the massive games.'

For Coufal, son of an Olympic gymnast and brother to two international figure skaters, it will be about more than just the occasion. It was only two months ago that he was in so much pain due to a groin injury that he could no longer walk, he says, 'like normal people'. His wife Hana had to help him in and out of bed.

The Czech international suffered the injury during the Euros but played on through pain for most of the season. His performances slumped because of it. It was only after limping off against Leicester in February that he had surgery.

'I didn't want to make an excuse about my performances,' he says. 'It was my decision to play with pain. I was taking medication every day, small tablets in the evening, and I was able to play with some level of pain. After the Leicester game it was breaking point.

Filip Kostic walked over to the Eintracht Frankfurt fans in the Nou Camp and held his shirt