Fabo Crocked

Hammers keeper Lukasz Fabianski may require surgery after suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye socket caused by an 'over zealous' tackle from Forest's Jimenez. The 37-year-old Poland international sustained the injury during Saturday's 4-0 win.

At the time of the Injury defender Nayef Aguerd was furious with the Wolves forward for what he saw as an unnecassary follow through of the ball when it was clearly the keeper's!

Manager David Moyes was unsure how long Fabianksi, who has started all 24 Premier League games this season, will be absent for."We don't quite know whether it'll be operated on or heal itself, or a time-span at the moment," Moyes said. French International Alphonse Areola replaced Fabianski after 69 minutes at the weekend and was immediately called into action, producing a string of fine saves. He is set to continue in goal for Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester United.

The Irons, who travel to Brighton in their next league match on Saturday, are 16th in the table, only two points above the relegation places. It looks like Areola is set to feature in plenty of games with the Con Cup games following shortly as well as the massively important domestic games which are coming thick and fast.
Areola has been 'champing at the bit' to start as many games as possible INCLUDING all the Premier League games, but as part of the goal keeper's Union would not have wished for his opportunity to come in this way. 'Fabo' is likely to be out for some time, although the full extent of his injury cannot be properly assessed until the swelling around his eye has reduced.

It is however feared the very popular Fabianski could be ruled out for the remainder of the season, not what the club wanted or needed, but at least the silver lining is that Areola IS a top keeper and let's face it, Hammers need one at present! - LN