West Ham United Football Club News

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

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Zola rues timing of Cole blow

03 Apr 2009 - 09:18:17

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West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has revealed his frustration after losing striker Carlton Cole for most of the club's remaining fixtures this season.

Zola revealed the 25-year-old frontman was struggling with a groin problem before he was forced off when playing for England in a friendly against Slovakia on Saturday.

The 11-goal top-scorer is now facing six weeks on the sidelines and Zola is unhappy at the timing of his latest injury blow.

"I would never pull someone out of an international squad as I know how important it was for him to go with the national team," said the Italian coach.

"It would have been very selfish if I had told him to pull out. I could have caused even more damage.

"I can only compare to how important it was for me to play for the national team. You are playing for your country and I don't think in football there is a bigger achievement than that."

Cole will join defender Radoslav Kovac on the sidelines while Scott Parker continues to be hampered by a groin problem.

Their absence means Zola's squad will again be missing several key first-team players for Saturday's visit of Sunderland.

"It's frustrating because they are important players for us and it is a crucial point of the season for us," he added.

"But these situation make me think more and other players get more responsibility.

"It is a problem that will make everyone better if we treat it in the right way."