Injured Mark Noble out for West Ham until new year
By Frank Keogh
Noble has been one of West Ham's better performers this season
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is set to be out of action until the new year.
Noble, 23, returned earlier in November 12 days after an appendix operation but suffered an injury near his hip in Saturday's 3-0 loss to Liverpool.
His latest spell out is another blow for the injury-hit Hammers, who are bottom of the Premier League table and five points off safety.
The home match against Wigan on Saturday has been billed as a 'save our season' game by the club's board.
West Ham are already without midfielders Thomas Hitzlsperger and Jack Collison, who have still to feature this season as they recover from long-term injuries.
Noble, the Hammers' longest-serving player, was the only recognised central midfielder selected for the match at Anfield.
He has started 12 Premier League games this season and been praised by manager Avram Grant for his contributions.
The former England Under-21 international has scored twice, netting penalties against Bolton and Wolves.
It is unclear exactly how long Noble will be out for, although it is hoped he will be back playing in early January.
Meanwhile, Grant hopes the influential Scott Parker - who missed the defeat at Liverpool with a virus - and Valon Behrami will be available for selection at Upton Park on Saturday.
In an effort to ensure the match against 18th-placed Wigan is a sell-out, the remaining 5,000 adult tickets were sold at a discount price of £20 each.
The Hammers host Manchester United in a Carling Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.
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