West Ham United FC

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• Manager:Avram Grant

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Ferdinand setback for Hammers

25 Sep 2006 - 13:09:53

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West Ham United's hopes of progressing in the UEFA Cup have been hit by the news Anton Ferdinand will miss the second leg of their first round tie against Palermo.

The Hammers lost the first leg 1-0 at Upton Park and manager Alan Pardew was desperate to put out his strongest side for the return in Sicily on Thursday.

Unfortunately Ferdinand picked up a hamstring strain during the dismal weekend defeat at Manchester City and will have to remain in London for treatment.

"I don't know when he'll be back but it's an absolute certainty that Anton will not be available for the Palermo game," Pardew told the club's official website.

Pardew is now likely to turn to either James Collins or Jonathan Spector for Thursday's match.