Bellamy out for six weeks

Curbishley confirms striker blow

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 21st February 2008

bellamy craig

Bellamy: Sidelined

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Alan Curbishley has confirmed that Craig Bellamy will be sidelined for at least six weeks after undergoing surgery.

Bellamy has been struggling with an abdominal injury for most of the season but Curbishley had been reluctant to send him for another operation.

However, the West Ham medical team finally decided there was no other option and the Welshman went under the knife on Wednesday.

Bellamy is now likely to miss at least eight more matches before making a possible return in early April.

"We have got some more bad news," Curbishley told Sky Sports News. "Craig has had an operation on this groin injury and stomach injury that he's had for some time.

No option

"We've been trying all other routes to try and get him fit but in the end we've had to go for the operation.

"He'll be out I think for about six weeks and we hope it's successful. He's had a tough time of it over the last six months."

A number of other West Ham players are closing in on a return to action, with Bobby Zamora, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer all making good progress in their recoveries from injury.

Curbishley said: "We've got some good news because Bobby's played the last two reserve games and he's looking strong. We're happy his back.

"Scott Parker's running so we think he will be joining back in quite soon.

"Kieron Dyer is full of optimism and he is in there every day attacking it."