Kurt Zouma faces a race against time to be fit for West Ham’s Premier League run-in – but could make it back for a possible Europa Conference League final appearance.
The French defender suffered ankle ligament damage in West Ham’s 4-3 Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday, hobbling out of action after 15 minutes.
Hammers boss David Moyes admitted the former Chelsea centre back might not be fit in time to feature again in the regular season, but refused to rule out a return in time for one more European run-out.
West Ham have five games left to secure their Premier League status, starting with Wednesday’s trip to treble-chasing Manchester City.
The London Stadium men also face a Europa Conference League semi-final clash with AZ Alkmaaar, with the final of that competition slated for June 7.
Moyes admitted Zouma’s impressive powers of recovery could yet see the 28-year-old available should West Ham make it to that showpiece European final.
“We’re still assessing Kurt at the moment, so I wouldn’t want to say just now on a timescale,” said Moyes.
“It’s ankle ligaments and will be a few weeks.
“But Kurt’s a bit different, he’s incredibly good at getting himself ready and back fit. So we’re hopeful he would be fine if we were to get [to the Europa Conference final].”
Moyes rates Pep Guardiola’s City as among the best sides of the Premier League era, but insisted West Ham will still go north hunting all three points.
“They are certainly one of the best Premier League sides, but no any football game is a free hit,” said Moyes.
“We won’t give up on any game.”
