West Ham striker Carlton Cole is set to return from his groin injury to help the club's final push for a European place.

The 25-year-old, who was injured while on England duty in March, has been back in full training and will be in the squad for the Barclays Premier League clash at Everton this weekend.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola feels his side need to win their remaining two matches to finish seventh and reach the Europa League, and he will make a decision on whether Cole will start at Goodison Park or be on the bench.

"He is doing very well and will be in the squad," Zola said.

"He is fit and that is good news for us. He might start, we will decide the day before the game."

Despite the perception of European football being a distraction, Zola is desperate to qualify.

"It is possible if we pick up six points from two games," said the Italian.

"Four might be enough but to be sure we want six. European football is very important for the squad, to give them a boost.

"If they are ready or not, that is something I would like to try on the pitch.

"I realise playing in Europe is a big thing because there are many more games to play. We are willing to take the risk and would love to be in the competition."

Cole's absence has not helped their cause, with Zola's side struggling for goals.

Zola knows former Hammers striker Carlos Tevez would solve those problems - but he expects bigger clubs to be in the race to sign the Argentina forward should he become available.

"Carlos Tevez would be a player that many like me would like to have in their team," Zola said.

"He is a fantastic player and they tell me he is a wonderful boy too, a team player. "There might be so many teams interested in him, bigger than West Ham."

Zola joked: "But if he fancies it I'm sure the supporters will have him back."

Meanwhile, Zola has backed Carlo Ancelotti to succeed at Chelsea if he gets appointed at Stamford Bridge.

"I've had him as a manager at Parma, he is a good manager, experienced with teams at high level for a long time so I'm sure he knows how to take a job like that, if it happens," Zola said.

"He knows football very well and I'm sure he won't have any problems in this league. I know the Premier League is very different to Italy but it is still football and we are talking about someone who has played and coached football for a long time. I'm sure he can handle it."