West Ham United FC

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Fresh injury blow for Ashton

18 Sep 2008 - 08:49:40

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West Ham United striker Dean Ashton's injury jinx has struck again after he confirmed that he expects to be out of action for around a month with an ankle problem.

Ashton has started just 33 Premier League games during two-and-a-half seasons with the Hammers due to a series of injury problems.

The 24-year-old missed England's recent World Cup qualifiers with a leg problem and was hoping to be fit for the next round of international games in October.

However after spraining his ankle during training on Monday, he is now likely to be sidelined until at least mid-October.

He will now also miss the opening few matches of Gianfranco Zola's reign as Hammers manager.

"Unfortunately I've picked up another injury. I sprained my ankle in training on Monday and I'm looking at spending the next three to four weeks on the sidelines," Ashton told The Sun.

"I just went over on it. It happens to a lot of players. It's not too serious but it will take a few weeks to heal properly.

"I'm looking at about three weeks and then it's the international break. Hopefully I'll be back after that."