He has now decided to have knee surgery after having his hand forced by an ankle problem sustained in training would have ruled him out anyway.
His original intention, after seeing specialist David Dandy, was to see if he could get back into training.
But after twisting his ankle, he has changed his mind, and he says:
"The situation was that last wednesday we decided to give the knee a month, and lo and behold I went and damaged ligaments in my left ankle, so that made my mind up really.
"I could have waited 6 weeks for my ankle to clear up and started training again by which time the first team would have been away and it would have been harder to test my knee.
"That's because it was the football training I was struggling with, not the straight line running, and the last thing I wanted to do was get into pre season and then realize the knee is no good.
"This is a strange injury, some surgeons say one thing, some say another."
The operation is relatively straight forward, and he adds:
"It's not like they are going into the knee joint itself, but it will be at least 2 or 3 months before I'm doing anything, which is the negative part of it."
He is confident of success, however, and says:
"I'm hopeful with the right rehab it will be fine, that's how I'm going into it.
"There's no guarantees but you are giving yourself every opportunity.
"Nobody will give you 100% assurance; I wouldn't say the surgeon was blase but he feels it is the right thing to do.
"John Green spoke to him after I did my ankle and he feels it is the right thing to do.
"The worst case scenario is that it is no better than what it was."
The fact is, though, that this will be Steve's longest lay off since arriving at Upton Park, and he says:
"I'll have had six months out by the time I come back which is a substantial amount of time.
"I've got to look on the positive side though, there's people worse off than me like young Izzie, Scott Minto, and Ian Pearce.
"I know it's not life and death but it feels awful.
"I think I've played about 130 games for West Ham, but I've never had a knee injury so I don't know what to gauge it by, but it just felt like it wasn't my knee.
"It was not pain as such but even before I turned my ankle it didn't feel right.
"But there's a lot worse things you can do to your knee."
Whether he makes pre - season remains to be seen, and he adds:
"Hopefully I'll be thereabouts for preseason but if I'm not quite ready I won't be far away."
He will have the operation next week, which means a watching brief against Derby looking for a first win at Upton Park since boxing day, and he says:
"I think saturday is a big game with regards to looking over your shoulder, but 39 points will keep you up.
"You just want to sort it out and then it's over with - banished.
"Getting the win is important but Derby are looking for three points as well so it is going to be a tense affair again."
Led down the garden path?
Freddie Kanoute, giving an honest answer to a general question, will no doubt have the following comments exaggerated, but here goes...
"The only thing which could make me leave the Hammers is maybe a team playing in the UEFA Cup or champions league or a team with tactics which will suit me.
"I know nothing, I'm still very happy with West Ham and I've not heard about a new club or new proposition.
"We have to wait till the end of the season; it's too early, but I have to say that I will study any proposition I get.
"It's always nice to play and to train with new players, as you notice what your faults and weaknesses are on such occasions.
"It's my philosophy to have a new experience in order to improve my faculties."
Freddie has been 'improving his faculties' quite well at West Ham this season, and not so long ago signed an improved deal.
We've been here before, of course, when Freddie saying that you are more likely to be picked for France if you play for a 'larger' club being taken to mean that he wanted away.
Not so.
He added:
"We should have done better in the league but I have to say I'm quite happy with my season," he says.
"Of course, I must still improve my play and my fitness but for my first real season in the premier league, it's not that bad and I'm quite pleased with myself."