Jack Wilshere will miss out when West Ham visit Fulham on Saturday evening, according to reports.
The midfielder had only just returned to fitness before once again being sidelined through an ankle injury – typically, to the other one that he had injured earlier in the season.
The 26-year-old required surgery on that ailment, but his new problem is not understood to be as serious.
Lucas Perez is also a doubt ahead of the game, meaning the Hammers are on the verge of a possible injury crisis.
With Marko Arnautovic ruled out until the new year, the loss of Perez could mean that Andy Carroll will get his first start of the season.
Heading into the busy period of festive fixtures, manager Manuel Pellegrini may be forced to look deeper into his squad.
The Irons have seen their form pick up in recent weeks, having won three games on the bounce. What injury crisis!?
