Hammers hopeful on Bellamy

Bellamy visits top German surgeon who treated Owen

Last updated: 4th October 2007

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Bellamy: Troublesome injury

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West Ham are hoping they will get a "definitive answer very soon" as they attempt to solve Craig Bellamy's troublesome groin injury.

The Hammers have sent the striker to the Munich clinic of top surgeon Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, who recently treated Michael Owen's groin problem.

They are hoping for the same good news Owen and Newcastle got as he could now be fit for England's qualifiers against Estonia and Russia as a result.

Bellamy's visit to the top surgeon comes after he missed West Ham's last three games with the groin problem, and he also is out of Saturday's trip to Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League.

Doubtful

He is also doubtful for Wales' European Championship qualifiers in Cyprus and San Marino later this month.

Speaking about the situation, West Ham assistant manager Mervyn Day said: "We are hoping we will get a definitive answer very soon about what the problem is and how long it will take to fix.

"If we get the same answer Michael Owen and Newcastle got then we will be very happy, because Owen was tipped to recover in eight to 12 days.

"I can't see Craig playing for Wales, though. It's something for our manager Alan Curbishley to discuss with Welsh boss John Toshack, but I think he is very doubtful."

The Hammers are hoping to halt a two-game league losing run at Villa Park after defeats at Newcastle and at home to Arsenal.

Spice

And there will be added spice to the fixture as they are likely to face former players Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood, who left the Hammers for Villa during the summer.

Day added: "Playing Arsenal last week, which came in between two away games, was difficult, and not to be able to get a result was disappointing.

"But we have had some good victories away from home, at Birmingham and Reading and we are looking forward to the game at Villa. We will go there with a lot of hope."

Defender Anton Ferdinand has a slight hamstring strain and is unlikely to play on Saturday, with Danny Gabbidon expected to deputise alongside Matthew Upson in the centre of defence.