West Ham centre-back Jose Fonte has ruled himself out of action until 2018 with a foot injury that has proven to be significantly worse than first expected.
The 33-year-old limped off in the 76th minute of last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to be replaced by Declan Rice.
Former Southampton captain Fonte had endured a tough start to life in east London after his January arrival but had been one of West Ham’s better defenders in the early months of this season.
His absence for much of the busy festive period will be keenly felt by West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who is facing a crisis of defensive numbers heading into Saturday’s London Stadium clash with Liverpool.
Fonte wrote on Instagram: “Difficult to digest… but with my mind already focused on a quick recovery!
“I will be back stronger in two or three months. I look forward to the grind!
“Big win tomorrow would definitely hope.”
Bilic will not only be pondering Fonte’s absence tomorrow as he finds himself without a recognised right-back due to injuries to Sam Byram and Michail Antonio and Pablo Zabaleta’s suspension. Centre-back James Collins is also a doubt.
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