Tuesday 7 November 2017 16:47, UK
West Ham defender Jose Fonte has vowed to return fitter and stronger after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury on Monday.
New West Ham boss David Moyes, who took over on a short-term contract on Tuesday, will be without Fonte until the New Year with the defender expected to be ruled out for between two to three months.
Fonte, who suffered the injury in the recent 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace, is remaining upbeat and wants to return as soon as possible in the New Year.
The Portugal defender told the club's website: "Obviously I'm disappointed and frustrated because it was an unnecessary tackle (which caused the injury).
"That's part of football and now it's time to focus on returning after the surgery on Monday and having a good recovery so I can be back as soon as possible.
"Now I've had the surgery, I will have to wear a cast for two weeks, then a boot for two weeks and finally a brace for two weeks, so that's six weeks. Then after that it's getting back my fitness levels.
"I'm not scared of working hard, so I'll put the hard work in. We have great physios and great doctors at the club, so we'll be working hard together to be back stronger and fresher."
