West Ham United midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is facing another four months on the sidelines.

The Germany midfielder will have surgery after a thigh muscle completely detached from the bone.

The 28-year-old has yet to play for the Hammers since joining from Lazio in a three-year deal over the summer.

He first picked up what was thought to be a routine torn thigh muscle while playing for Germany against Denmark in August.

Hitzlsperger was hoping to play for West Ham in their clash with Wolves this weekend.