Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham fear Cole faces long lay-off with star's World Cup bid under threat
Crocked: Carlton Cole in action against Burnley [LNB]West Ham striker Carlton Cole is facing an agonising four months onthe sidelines after sustaining a knee injury, which could jeopardise both his World Cup spot and a mooted big-money January move to Manchester United or Liverpool. [LNB]The England forward suffered ligament damage to his right knee during West Ham's 5-3drubbing of Burnley on Saturday and there are fears he could be out until March.[LNB]Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola removed Cole for the second half against the Clarets, and now faces an anxious wait to see if his star striker, who has scored seven times already this term, will miss a huge chunk of the Barclays Premier League season. [LNB]The Upton Park club currently sit just two points above the relegation zone, and the absence of Cole's goals will heighten fears for the club's survival in the division.[LNB] Zola revealed: 'It is his right knee. He hit his knee and twistedit a little bit. If it's ligaments then, yes, it could be a while. ButI'm not a doctor. [LNB]'Everybody knows how important Carlton is for us, so hopefully it will not prove to be too bad.'[LNB] In-form: Cole (second right) scores from the penalty spot against Burnley[LNB]If the striker's lay-off is confirmed, it may force Cole's suitors United and Liverpool to think twice about a £20million bid in the New Year, with the player potentially unavailable for both clubs' race for the Premier League title and next season's Champions League spots. [LNB]And Cole's hopes of making Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup in South Africa next summer are also now in doubt. Already a fringe player, Capello will certainly not even consider him if he is not 100 per cent fit.[LNB]Under the knife: Valon Behrami of West Ham[LNB]It has also emerged that West Ham's Swiss international Valon Behrami needs surgery on a knee injury and could be out for three weeks. [LNB]The midfielder, who missed the win over Burnley, has a cartilage problem and will undergo keyhole surgery this week. [LNB]The former Lazio star was out for six months after rupturing knee ligaments last season and although he has returned to action, has been consistently bothered by pain. [LNB]The problem is not thought to be serious, however, and Behrami is expected to return before Christmas. [LNB]Meanwhile, West Ham have applied for planning permission to build a new training ground on a 29-acre site in Rush Green, near Romford in Essex, purchased in the summer. [LNB]The academy facilities at West Ham's existing training ground in Chadwell Heath would also be redeveloped.[LNB] West Ham 5 Burnley 3: Hair-raising for Zola, who relies on home comfortsLiverpool and Man United target Cole is not for sale, insists West Ham boss ZolaLIVERPOOL FC
