Hammer blow for Faubert

West Ham's new signing Julien Faubert has been ruled out of action for six months.

The French midfielder, who joined The Hammers for £6.1million from Bordeaux earlier this month, ruptured his Achilles tendon against Sigma Olomouc on Tuesday.

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley had feared the worst for the 23-year-old and now scans have revealed the full extent of the damage.

The loss of Faubert is a major blow for the East Londoners on the back of Dean Ashton's absence for the whole of the 2006/07 campaign through injury.

Head physiotherapist George Cooper told the club's official website: "The injury was completely out of the blue. Julien has no history of any Achilles problems.

"On the plus side, we have managed to get him to a top surgeon. Two to three days is the key time for this injury and everything will be done and in place for Julien within that period.

"We expect him to be out of action for around six months but we will not be putting any definitive date on his return - he will come back only when he is completely ready."

Curbishley could not contain his disappointment at losing a key player to injury so early in his Hammers career and the new season.

"It's a devastating blow for everyone, especially Julien," said Curbishley. "He had fitted in so well and was showing all the attributes needed to be a success in the Premiership.

"You could see in the short bit of football he has played with us that he was going to be a big hit with the supporters.

"To lose him after an hour of football and just two weeks at the club is a big disappointment."