Valencia Out Until New Year With Injury

West Ham have had their worst fears confirmed as striker Enner Valencia will miss up to five months through injury.

The Telegraph understands that the Ecuadorian forward could be out until the new year after suffering the severe injuries to his right knee and ankle during Thursday’s Europa League third qualifying round first leg match against FC Astra.

Here’s what West Ham had to say about the injury in an official club statement:

“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’s second most expensive player in their history was set for a breakout season in the Premier League, but will now have to wait until 2016 to make an impact.

In terms of replacements, Atletico Madrid’s Raul Jimenez will be signing on a season-long loan for the Hammers – provided he receives a work permit next week.