Gabbidon out with hamstring injury

West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon has been ruled out for four weeks with the hamstring injury sustained during Saturday's 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.

Gabbidon was taken from the pitch on a stretcher in the 63rd minute following a challenge from Christian Nade as he passed the ball back to goalkeeper Robert Green. The 27-year-old Welsh international went for a scan on Sunday and it was confirmed he us unlikely to return before the Christmas period.

Hammers head physiotherapist Steve Allen said: "Danny has suffered a grade two tear to his lateral hamstring muscle and the estimated recovery time before he is back playing again is around four weeks."

He added: "We are hopeful that he may be back sooner than that but his recovery won't be rushed.

"We arranged the scan for yesterday so that he could begin his rehabilitation as soon as he arrived for training this morning and he is already responding well to treatment."

Gabbidon, who has been ever-present for the Hammers so far this season, has set his sights on an early return.

He said: "Obviously it's a major disappointment for me.

"I hadn't felt my hamstring at all before the actual injury occurred, so it's just one of those unfortunate things that can happen in football.

"I am in good hands with the medical team at West Ham, though, and I hope to be back as soon as possible."

Gabbidon's fellow Wales team-mate James Collins has returned to full training after recovering from a groin injury.