West Ham striker Enner Valencia could be out until DecemberThe Ecuadorian could miss the first four months of the campaign, strengthening West Ham's desire to sign Atletico Madrid's Raul Jimenez
West Ham United fear Enner Valencia could miss at least the first four months of the new season with the knee and ankle injuries he suffered in the Europa League. Valencia’s injury has strengthened the Hammers’ resolve to sign Atletico Madrid forward Raul Jimenez, with the 24-year-old hoping to find out whether or not he will be granted a work permit this week, but the club may well need another new striker before the end of the transfer window.
Ecuador international Valencia had to be carried off on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask in the first half of West Ham’s 2-2 Europa League draw with Astra Giurgiu after heading his side ahead.
West Ham confirmed last Friday that Valencia had suffered ‘significant damage’ to his right knee and right ankle, with the 25-year-old due to find out more on Monday.Hammers medics fear Valencia will be forced to miss at least four months with the injury and may not even return to playing action until the New Year, in what would be a significant blow to manager Slaven Bilic.
On Friday, a West Ham statement read: “Enner Valencia sustained what initially appears to be a significant injury to his right knee and right ankle during Thursday's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie with Astra Giurgiu.
“The Ecuador forward will see a specialist consultant at a clinic in central London on Monday morning and an update will be provided following that meeting.
“It is too early to put a timescale on how long Enner's recovery and rehabilitation period may be.”
West Ham had already lined up Mexico international Jimenez before Valencia’s injury, as Bilic felt he was short in attack and he is now another man down.
Andy Carroll is not expected to return from the knee injury that has kept him out since February until October, which currently leaves Bilic with just Diafra Sakho and Modibo Maiga.
Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin would be the most obvious man for the Hammers to turn to, although the Championship club’s £15million asking price will need to drop.
Newcastle United have been on the trail of Austin all summer and Everton are understood to be interested, but the 26-year-old is thought to favour the prospect of staying in London.
Austin was the second highest English goalscorer in last season’s Premier League, behind Harry Kane, with 18 goals.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/11779002/West-Ham-striker-Enner-Valencia-could-be-out-until-December.html
