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'I was in so much pain, my wife had to help me out of bed': Vladimir Coufal's incredible fightback from a groin injury to be ready for West Ham's historic week including their first European semi-final in 46 YEARS

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.