Upson adds to Zola's woes

17 March 2009 08:31
West Ham's injury problems show no sign of abating, with Matthew Upson the latest to be crocked.[LNB] The centre-half lasted less than half-an-hour of the Hammers' goalless draw with West Brom on Monday before being forced from the field.[LNB]Having tweaked a calf muscle, the 29-year-old had to be removed from the action on a stretcher.[LNB]While the problem is not believed to be too serious, it will keep him sidelined at a crucial stage of West Ham's season.[LNB]It will also put a dent in his international ambitions, with England's forthcoming fixtures against Slovakia and Ukraine likely to come too soon.[LNB]The injury comes a blow to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola as well, as the Italian has already seen his squad blighted by problems this season.[LNB]BackingHowever, for all his troubles, the Upton Park outfit remain in the hunt for a European spot in the Premier League.[LNB]Monday's stalemate with the Baggies helped to cement their standing in seventh place and Zola admits he was pleased to take a point from a disjointed contest.[LNB]He said: "I think this was a good point for us because of all the problems we had and a good performance from West Brom. I consider it a good point."[LNB]The Hammers were booed off at the end by some of their own supporters, but Zola believes the majority of fans remain fully behind the team.[LNB]"The fans are vital all the time, so the players feel their backing," he said.[LNB]"They can give something extra, but the fans are okay. But we have to help them to be behind us. We will try harder next time."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports