Valon Behrami has revealed that he will not play again this season after suffering a horror knee injury against Manchester City
Valon Behrami has revealed that he will not play again this season after suffering a horror knee injury against Manchester City.
The Hammers midfielder was taken off on a stretcher with suspected damage to his cruciate ligament after twisting his knee in attempting to tackle Wayne Bridge at Upton Park.
The full extent of the injury is not yet known, although a scan has shown that Behrami has not suffered a fracture.
Yet the Swiss international has confirmed that he will be sidelined for the rest of the season.
"The season has gone for me," he told Swiss newspaper Blick. "I must now wait 48 hours until I know whether or not cruciate ligament surgery is required. It is very bad."
Behrami has emerged as one of West Ham's most consistent players since joining from Lazio in a �5m move last summer.
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola admits that the midfielder's absence will be a major blow as the club attempt to secure European qualification.
Zola said: "He's such an important player for us on and off the pitch, hopefully it won't be too bad."
Mark Noble, who missed last weekend's victory over City through suspension, is expected to fill in for Behrami, with Robert Kovac expected to keep his place in central midfield.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here