West Ham have been handed another blow on the injury front as veteran defender James Collins has suffered a set-back in his return to action.
The Welsh defender hasn’t featured for the Hammers since September but made a return for the U23 side in the Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Wycombe Wanderers last night, managing just 22 minutes before being forced off.
34-year-old Collins will now be assessed and more details are likely to be revealed by manager David Moyes after tonight’s clash with Everton or ahead of this weekend’s visit to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
West Ham have struggled defensively this season and Collins’ experience would have provided a big boost, so the club will be hopeful that his setback is only minor.
In his absence, the Hammers have slipped into the Premier League’s relegation zone and are winless in six matches, though victory tonight will see them leapfrog Everton in the table.
