Alan Pardew has been boosted by the news that Anton
Ferdinand's ankle injury isn't as serious as first
feared.
The 21-year-old defender was forced off in the 67th minute of our
2-0 defeat against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night following a
heavy challenge, and early concerns were that he may have suffered
ligament damage.
However, tests have revealed just heavy bruising and, although
Anton will not recover in time for tomorrow's trip to Bolton
Wanderers, he is expected to be fit for the home clash against
Manchester United next Sunday.
West Ham United's Head Physiotherapist Steve Allen says:
"Anton sustained an impact injury on his right ankle that
twisted it slightly and was in a considerable amount of pain after
the match on Wednesday night.
"It was the same ankle he originally injured playing against
Arsenal last month, but the pain and bruising have eased
significantly in the last 24 hours, and we don't anticipate any
further problems once the bruising has fully healed.
"Although he will not travel with the squad to Bolton, we are
confident that Anton will be available for selection again next
week."
by Danny Francis