West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Faubert out for six months

19 Jul 2007 - 17:00:52

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West Ham United have been dealt a devastating blow with the new Premier League season still over three weeks away after learning that recent signing Julien Faubert is unlikely to play again until Christmas.

The 23-year-old French midfielder ruptured his Achilles tendon in Tuesday's pre-season friendly against Sigma Olomouc in Austria, and has flown back to his homeland to undergo surgery.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley told the club's official website: "It's a devastating blow for everyone, especially Julien.

"He had fitted in so well and was showing all the attributes needed to be a success in the Premiership.

"You could see in the short bit of football he played with us that he was going to be a big hit with the supporters - he's strong, fast, gets up and down, and understands the game - so to lose him after an hour of football and just two weeks at the club is a big disappointment.

"We wish Julien a speedy recovery and, having got to know the boy over the past week or so, I'm certain that he'll respond to this setback in the right way.

"Hopefully we'll see him back in action around Christmas time, but the main thing is that he follows his rehabilitation programme and only returns when he's 100 per cent ready."