West Ham United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Hammers handed Cole boost

16 Feb 2009 - 16:27:58

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West Ham United striker Carlton Cole is set to be sidelined for around a fortnight after suffering an ankle injury in the 1-1 FA Cup fifth round draw with Middlesbrough.

The 25-year-old, who made his senior England debut against Spain last week, had to be replaced just past the half-hour mark of the weekend Upton Park clash.

The Hammers had feared that Cole had suffered a break or ligament damage, but have been boosted by positive scan results.

A statement from the Premier League club read: "A positive X-ray on Sunday showed no fracture and, ahead of an MRI scan, it is hoped the sprain could lead to only a two-week absence."

Cole, who signed a new long-term contract earlier this season, has been in superb form in recent weeks.

The former Chelsea has scored six times in his last ten club outings, including strikes in five consecutive games.