Boss David Moyes confirmed that goalkeeper Alphonse Areola will be missing once again when West Ham United travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Hammers' No23, who has kept four clean sheets in 29 appearances in all competitions this season, was withdrawn at half-time during last weekend's dramatic defeat at Newcastle United with a groin problem.
He was then absent as the Irons drew 1-1 at home against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, and Moyes explained in his pre-match press conference that he won't be fit in time to line-up between the sticks at Molineux.
The manager said: "Alphonse felt a slight tweak to his groin at St James' Park.
"We hope he won't be out for too long, but he's not going to be available for the game against Wolves."
Areola added: "On one kick against Newcastle I felt a pain in my groin, and I knew something wasn't right, but I'm doing everything I can to be ready as soon as possible.
"The thing with muscle injuries is that you can't rush back, or you risk making it worse. Hopefully I can recover quickly, and the team can get the right result at Wolves."
In more positive news, Moyes will be able to call on the services of Edson Álvarez in the West Midlands, with the Mexican midfielder having completed his two-game suspension in the league.
Elswhere, Nayef Aguerd will once again be assessed in the lead-up to kick-off, after missing the Newcastle and Spurs clashes with a shoulder problem.
Moyes said: "We've missed Edson's presence, and he's had a big influence on things since he signed last summer, so we're looking forward to having him back.
"We think Nayef's getting better, and he's had an injection in his shoulder. We're hoping he might be able to return, but it depends on how he can deal with contact, so we'll have to wait and see."
