Hammers fear star Bellamy is out for the season

Plagued by injury: Craig Bellamy has made just seven Premier League appearances this season

West Ham striker Craig Bellamy could be out for the rest of the season after suffering a recurrence of the abdominal problems which have plagued him all season.

Welsh international Bellamy has made just seven Premier League appearances this season following his £7.5million signing from Liverpool last summer.

It looked as though he was finally on the way back after coming on as a substitute against Wigan last Saturday and then playing in a midweek reserve-team match.

However, he again felt some discomfort in the same area of the abdomen and now an operation is a distinct possibility.

That would see him miss the rest of the season, along with central defender James Collins, who has torn a cruciate knee ligament. Kieron Dyer may also be struggling to return before May after breaking a leg in August.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley said: "Craig is still feeling sore. We will have to assess things all over again." Curbishley, meanwhile, was delighted that central defender Matthew Upson played the whole of England's match against Switzerland on Wednesday night.

"I'm pleased for him because Matty is a true professional, both on and off the pitch," he said.

Curbishley, whose team are at home to Birmingham tomorrow, also believes that Dean Ashton could fit the bill as a lone striker for England when he is fully match sharp.

Capello's assistant, Franco Baldini, has reassured Ashton that he remains in their plans and Curbishley said: "Dean has the awareness and he has said he is comfortable in that position so I am sure they will keep a careful watch on his progress."

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