Carlton Cole has been ruled out of contention at West Ham for six weeks with a groin injury. The 25-year-old aggravated the complaint during England's friendly win over Slovakia last weekend.
The schedule for Cole's return would see him play in the final three matches of the Barclays Premier League season, with the club in the hunt for a place in the Europa League, but the former Chelsea forward would be well short of match fitness.
"Fortunately he won't need an operation, it is a problem between the muscle and tendon in the groin," Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola said. "He should be available in six weeks."