Monday 16 November 2015 12:14, UK
Dimitri Payet has learned he does not need surgery on the ankle injury which will sideline him for the next three months.
The France international and his West Ham team-mate Enner Valencia - who is also out with the same problem - saw specialists on Monday morning.
Both players were hurt in a 1-1 draw with Everton on November 7 and the London club said in a statement they expect Valencia to be fit again by the start of 2016.
Payet - a scorer of five goals for the Upton Park side since his summer move from Marseille - is facing a longer spell out of action.
While the length of time he is expected to be out has not changed, he has at least been cleared to start his rehabilitation immediately rather than been told he must wait for surgery first.
Payet has already vowed to come back stronger from his setback after he suffered his injury in a tackle with James McCarthy.
A statement on whufc.com said: "Valencia was advised that he needs an extended rehabilitation period, which has now begun.
"It is expected that he will be fully recovered by the beginning of the New Year.
"Payet also attended an appointment with a specialist on Monday morning and, along with the club's medical team, he was advised he does not need an operation.
"He will therefore start his rehabilitation programme immediately, but is still expected to be unavailable for selection for three months."
