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West Ham's injury problems show no sign of abating, with Matthew Upson the latest to be crocked.
The centre-half lasted less than half-an-hour of the Hammers' goalless draw with West Brom on Monday before being forced from the field.
Having tweaked a calf muscle, the 29-year-old had to be removed from the action on a stretcher.
While the problem is not believed to be too serious, it will keep him sidelined at a crucial stage of West Ham's season.
It will also put a dent in his international ambitions, with England's forthcoming fixtures against Slovakia and Ukraine likely to come too soon.
The injury comes a blow to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola as well, as the Italian has already seen his squad blighted by problems this season.
Backing
However, for all his troubles, the Upton Park outfit remain in the hunt for a European spot in the Premier League.
Monday's stalemate with the Baggies helped to cement their standing in seventh place and Zola admits he was pleased to take a point from a disjointed contest.
He said: "I think this was a good point for us because of all the problems we had and a good performance from West Brom. I consider it a good point."
The Hammers were booed off at the end by some of their own supporters, but Zola believes the majority of fans remain fully behind the team.
"The fans are vital all the time, so the players feel their backing," he said.
"They can give something extra, but the fans are okay. But we have to help them to be behind us. We will try harder next time."
The centre-half lasted less than half-an-hour of the Hammers' goalless draw with West Brom on Monday before being forced from the field.
Having tweaked a calf muscle, the 29-year-old had to be removed from the action on a stretcher.
While the problem is not believed to be too serious, it will keep him sidelined at a crucial stage of West Ham's season.
It will also put a dent in his international ambitions, with England's forthcoming fixtures against Slovakia and Ukraine likely to come too soon.
The injury comes a blow to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola as well, as the Italian has already seen his squad blighted by problems this season.
Backing
However, for all his troubles, the Upton Park outfit remain in the hunt for a European spot in the Premier League.
Monday's stalemate with the Baggies helped to cement their standing in seventh place and Zola admits he was pleased to take a point from a disjointed contest.
He said: "I think this was a good point for us because of all the problems we had and a good performance from West Brom. I consider it a good point."
The Hammers were booed off at the end by some of their own supporters, but Zola believes the majority of fans remain fully behind the team.
"The fans are vital all the time, so the players feel their backing," he said.
"They can give something extra, but the fans are okay. But we have to help them to be behind us. We will try harder next time."
