More surgery for Bellamy

More bad news for Welsh star

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 19th February 2008

bellamy craig west ham

Bellamy: No quick return

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Craig Bellamy's return to first-team football has been delayed further after news that he needs more surgery on his abdominal injury.

The Wales international played in a friendly at the start of the month, but the club have now revealed that he needs to go under the knife again.

Bellamy originally had surgery in October and although the latest operation is only likely to sideline him for a further six weeks, it is a blow as The Hammers had hoped he would now be back in contention for the first team.

West Ham confirmed the news after Bellamy felt he was not 'quite right' after his comeback earlier in the month.

Hammers physio George Cooper remained buoyant about Bellamy's recovery.

"He has been absolutely brilliant," added Cooper. "Everything he has done has got him back to almost being ready and there is a feeling that if he carries on with slight symptoms they are likely to get worse rather than better. The symptoms have to go.

"The operation will complement the excellent work he has done before and that should be the last bit he needs before continuing his strengthening."

Better news

There was better news for the Hammers with Bobby Zamora back in full training along with Julien Faubert and Nolberto Solano.

"He is strong as an ox now," Cooper said of Zamora.

"His legs are really good and he is in good nick. Bobby is always in early, has been working very hard and been very patient.

"It looks to have paid off. His running fitness is as good as anybody's at the club, if not better."

Of their other injured stars, Scott Parker could be back running within a month following his knee issues and Kieron Dyer has begun light training following his broken leg earlier this season.