West Ham striker Dean Ashton faces a further month on the sidelines as he requires ankle surgery.
Hammers striker set to be out for at least a month
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton faces a further month on the sidelines as he requires ankle surgery.
Ashton picked up the problem in training last week and hoped rest would heal the injury without the need for an operation.
The England international was hoping to be back within four weeks, but he could now be missing for longer.
The Hammers have confirmed that Ashton will 'undergo arthroscopic surgery to his left ankle next week to help assess the extent of his injury'.
Reports suggest it could be at least the end of October before Ashton is ready to make his return for new boss Gianfranco Zola.
Having been forced off early against West Brom earlier this month, Ashton sat out Zola's first match in charge against Newcastle United last weekend.
He could now miss West Ham's next five Premier League matches, starting with Saturday's trip to Fulham.
