Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham reveal midfielder Jack Collison faces nine months on the sidelines after knee op
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison is set to be out of Barclays Premier League action until the new year after undergoing knee surgery. [LNB]Collison, 21, never fully recovered from the cartilage damage he suffered last season and he has not played since Wales' 1-0 defeat to Sweden on March 3. [LNB]West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola said: 'He had an operation the otherday and they told me is going to be out for nine months. [LNB] Crocked: West Ham midfielder Jack Collison (centre) has not played since March[LNB] 'I know he is a strong fellow and I am sure he will be quicker than that. I wish him a quick recovery.'[LNB]Zola's own future remains a matter of fevered speculation - but the man himself will not discuss the issue until his meeting ith club owners David Gold and David Sullivan next week.[LNB]Zola successfully negotiated a turbulent campaign to keep West Ham in the Premier League and a victory over Manchester City on Sunday could see them side finish as high as 14th.[LNB]But he has accused Gold and Sullivan of undermining his position after clashing with the owners over a number of issues in recent weeks.[LNB][LNB] Cool customer: Graham Dorrans of makes no mistake from the spot[LNB] [LNB][LNB]Zola only discovered West Ham had made a bid for West Brom's Scotlandmidfielder Graham Dorrans after it was reported in the newspapers.[LNB]And the Italian was equally surprised to hear Sullivan reveal in an interview that every member of the squad had been put up for sale, bar Scott Parker.[LNB] Dream team: Zola and assistant Steve Clarke (right)[LNB] Those differences will have to be ironed out if the Italian is to stand any chance of staying at Upton Park.[LNB]'I need to focus on the game and then I will talk to the club and we will see what the outcome is going to be. We are going to meet some time next week,' said Zola.[LNB]'I am a professional person. I am paid by the club to do a job and I try to do it as best I can.[LNB]'I am not going to give any excuses, we should have done better this season. I was expecting more.[LNB]'But I have to add that the circumstances and the environment have not been easy and people should remember that when they judge the season.[LNB]'I am the manager. I am not trying to justify anything, just telling the truth.[LNB]'I look at the job I have done and I say, yes I should have done better. I don't take defeats very well but it will make me stronger.[LNB]'I look into myself and the rest we will talk about after the last match.'[LNB]West Ham are now safe from relegation and Manchester City can no longer qualify for the Champions League but Zola insisted: 'I am still taking the game seriously. There is money on it but also pride.'[LNB]Each additional place in the Premiership is worth £800,000.[LNB] Welcome back: Tevez returns to Upton Park with Manchester City[LNB] [LNB]Manchester City will bring Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy back to Upton Park while Zola comes up against Roberto Mancini for the first time since the two former playing rivals moved into management.[LNB]'We have been played against each other for many years and we were competitors also in the national team. I remember before the World Cup in 1994, going to America, we were in contention for one place. It was me and him,' said Zola, who ultimately won selection.[LNB]'We faced each other many times on the pitch - I am interested to see how it is going to be facing each other in the dug-out.[LNB]'We are not going to fight, that is for sure.'[LNB] Zola was not surprised to see City miss out on Champions League qualification with their midweek defeat to Tottenham - because he has always rated Spurs as top-four material.[LNB]'For the amount of money Manchester City have spent you might say it hasn't been a good season,' said Zola.[LNB]'But you have to consider the four teams that qualified for the Champions League - Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.[LNB]'I said right at the beginning of the season that Tottenham were on the same level as Manchester (City), looking at the players and squad they have.[LNB]'To see them getting into the Champions League was no surprise to me. Manchester City maybe should have done better but Tottenham in the last few games were unbelievable.'[LNB] Irons man Upson could snub big boys in favour of new three-year dealWEST HAM v Man City: Valon Behrami out with Jack Collison ruled out for rest of the yearRio boost for Man United as Ferdinand leads star turn out for Carr testimonialWEST HAM UNITED FC
