Manchester City assistant boss David Platt has played down fears of a long-term injury for Joe Hart and insisted the goalkeeper will have recovered by Monday.
Platt confirmed Hart suffered a back spasm attempting to make a clearance during the second half of City's 2-1 win over West Ham. With all three substitutes used, manager Roberto Mancini did not have the option of taking Hart off. But the injury was troubling the England man and caused the mistake that gifted Andy Carroll's injury-time consolation.
As City still have four Premier League games left, plus the FA Cup final against Wigan in a fortnight, any extended absence would be a concern. However, Platt is adamant that is not the case, saying: "I think Joe's back spasmed as he kicked a ball. He is a bit blocked up and will be a bit sore tomorrow but he will be OK on Monday."
He added: "It possibly affected him with the way he conceded the second. If you look at the ball when it has gone in he can't get down to it.
"Most keepers, because they are throwing themselves about left, right and centre during the week will have issues around things like that. It is not much of an issue. It is a 24-hour thing."
Carroll's goal made City sweat for their victory rather more than should have been the case. Sergio Aguero had put the hosts ahead when he finished off a flowing move that involved Samir Nasri playing one-twos with both Yaya Toure and David Silva before providing the cross for the City striker's 15th goal of the season.
Toure doubled the advantage with a marvellous goal after the break, making room for himself on the angle of the penalty area before firing superbly into the top corner. It was the perfect way for City to respond to losing their Premier League title to Manchester United, and that damaging defeat at Tottenham last weekend.
"It is the response we expected," said Platt. "I have been saying for weeks that this club has got to a point where it is obligated to win football matches, irrespective of whether there is anything on the game. We all expected Manchester United to get over the line at some point."
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was disappointed by his side's lacklustre first-half display. They did improve after the interval, although Carroll's contribution once again raised talk of the present loan deal from Liverpool being turned into a permanent arrangement.
"We will find out at the end of the season," said Allardyce. "There is a lot to do obviously, between ourselves, Liverpool and Andy. But he has scored again hasn't he? That is six in 10 now."
Source: PA
