Injured Gabbidon out for a month

Gabbidon lies prostrate after suffering hamstring damage

West Ham's Danny Gabbidon has been ruled out for around four weeks with the hamstring injury he suffered during the 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

The defender Gabbidon was stretchered off in the 63rd minute following a challenge from Christian Nade.

The 27-year-old went for a scan on Sunday and head physiotherapist Steve Allen said: "Danny has suffered a tear to his lateral hamstring muscle.

"And the estimated recovery time is around four weeks."

Allen added: "We are hopeful that he may be back sooner than that but his recovery won't be rushed.

"We arranged the scan for Sunday so that he could begin his rehabilitation as soon as he arrived for training this morning and he is already responding well to treatment."

Gabbidon, who has been ever-present for the Hammers so far this season, has set his sights on an early return.

He said: "Obviously it's a major disappointment for me.

"I hadn't felt my hamstring at all before the actual injury occurred, so it's just one of those unfortunate things that can happen in football.

"I am in good hands with the medical team at West Ham, though, and I hope to be back as soon as possible."