Bellamy blow for Hammers
21 Feb 2008 - 14:11:27
West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley has revealed that Craig Bellamy will be sidelined for at least another six weeks.
The Wales international striker has made just one substitute appearance during the past four months after being troubled by an abdominal injury.
The £7.5million summer signing from Liverpool was believed to be close to a comeback after a period of rest, but Curbishley has confirmed the striker has been sent for surgery to cure the long-running problem.
The 29-year-old is now expected to be out of action until mid-April.
"Craig's had an operation on this groin injury and stomach injury that he's had for some time," Curbishley told Sky Sports News.
"We've been trying all other routes to try and get him fit but in the end we've had to go for the operation. He'll be out I think for about six weeks and we hope it's successful.
"He's had a tough time of it over the last six months."
Meanwhile, Curbishley has revealed fellow long-term absentee Bobby Zamora is back in first-team contention after making two recent reserve team appearances.
The former England Under-21 international has been out of action with a knee problem since August.
"We've got some good news because Bobby's played the last two reserve games and he's looking strong. We're happy his back," added Curbishley.
