Dimitri Payet has revealed that he does not require an operation on the ankle injury that has ruled him out of action for at least three months.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Hammers from Marseille on a free transfer in the summer, suffered the injury during West Ham's recent 1-1 draw with Everton after a challenge with James McCarthy.
Payet's extended absence will come as a blow to Slaven Billic's side given that the Frenchman's early form has helped the club climb to sixth place in the Premier League table.
It was initially feared that Payet would have to undergo surgery to help repair the damage to his ankle but he is glad to have avoided such a scenario.
“Of course it is a big relief for me that I will not need an operation," he told the club's official website.
"I speak from experience and having had a couple of operations, it is not an easy thing to cope with.
"It is good news on that front but it doesn’t change the time that it will take me to recover.
“It has been a week since I sustained the injury. I am doing well."
Payet also praised the support that he has received in the early stages of his spell on the sidelines and is already focusing his efforts on a return to action in the New Year.
"The support has been fantastic from my teammates, everyone at the club and from the supporters.
"It is during these these times that you can feel really loved.
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"That is very important and I want to get back to playing as quickly as I can and perform to the way I have been doing so far this season."
Payet is West Ham's top scorer this season with five goals in 12 top-flight appearances.
