New signing Lucas Neill is only likely to be sidelined for
around two weeks after sustaining an ankle injury during our FA Cup
fourth round defeat against Watford.
The 28-year-old defender endured a frustrating debut that lasted just 48 minutes at Upton Park on Saturday, following an awkward fall midway through the first half, but isn't expected to miss more than three Premiership matches after a scan today revealed only minor damage.
"Lucas suffered an inversion sprain to his right ankle," reveals Head Physiotherapist Steve Allen. "Following MRI scans on Sunday, his estimated recovery time is two to three weeks, but we are hopeful that he could be back sooner."
There was good news for Alan Curbishley this afternoon when Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun was passed fit for tomorrow night's Premiership clash against Liverpool at Upton Park after recovering from a knee injury, while Calum Davenport will return after being cup-tied at the weekend. Striker Carlos Tevez has also made a welcome return to training after recovering from a calf injury sustained in our 3-3 draw against Fulham two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Hammers boss has rubbished speculation that the Club have made a bid for Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent, as suggested by various media sources today.
"We have not made any bid for Darren Bent," says Curbs. "It was made quite clear to us by Charlton Athletic that the player was not for sale, and so that is the end of the matter."
The 28-year-old defender endured a frustrating debut that lasted just 48 minutes at Upton Park on Saturday, following an awkward fall midway through the first half, but isn't expected to miss more than three Premiership matches after a scan today revealed only minor damage.
"Lucas suffered an inversion sprain to his right ankle," reveals Head Physiotherapist Steve Allen. "Following MRI scans on Sunday, his estimated recovery time is two to three weeks, but we are hopeful that he could be back sooner."
There was good news for Alan Curbishley this afternoon when Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun was passed fit for tomorrow night's Premiership clash against Liverpool at Upton Park after recovering from a knee injury, while Calum Davenport will return after being cup-tied at the weekend. Striker Carlos Tevez has also made a welcome return to training after recovering from a calf injury sustained in our 3-3 draw against Fulham two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Hammers boss has rubbished speculation that the Club have made a bid for Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent, as suggested by various media sources today.
"We have not made any bid for Darren Bent," says Curbs. "It was made quite clear to us by Charlton Athletic that the player was not for sale, and so that is the end of the matter."