West Ham United centre-back Kurt Zouma has undergone surgery on his knee and is expected to be on the sidelines for a lengthy spell.
The French centre-back, who has started 14 of the Hammers’ 15 league matches this term, has often appeared to be playing while carrying some form of injury and was forced off early on in the 2-0 defeat to Leicester City 13 days ago in the final match for David Moyes’ side before the break for the World Cup.
Zouma has now undergone surgery as confirmed by West Ham on Thursday evening and is likely to be in for a spell on the sidelines, with West Ham’s next competitive game a month away when they head to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Boxing Day.
READ MORE: The former West Ham and Liverpool defender in charge of Cameroon at the World Cup
A club statement read: "West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has had surgery on a knee injury.
“The French defender will now continue his rehabilitation at Rush Green with the club’s medical team. Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Kurt a speedy recovery.”
Of all players in the West Ham squad, only five players have played more league minutes than him this term; Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek, Lukasz Fabianski and Aaron Cresswell.
As well as 14 league starts this term, Zouma has also scored one goal, heading in the opener in last month’s 2-0 win against Bournemouth.
READ NEXT:
Declan Rice to Chelsea transfer links, David Moyes and World Cup - West Ham behind the scenes
Roy Keane makes Declan Rice and Jack Grealish jibe after Jamal Musiala's England snub
The West Ham side that rank above Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham after perfect league start
The seven West Ham players who will still be in action during the World Cup break with loan clubs
The major West Ham boost David Moyes could receive when Hammers return after World Cup break
