As confirmed by West Ham United and shared by the press, David Moyes has been dealt 'another big injury blow' as news comes out of the club.
The Lowdown: Injuries pile up...
Defensive mainstay Angelo Ogbonna, who was a fixture in Moyes' starting XIbefore his ACL injury, has already been sidelined for the foreseeable future, with worries then mounting over Kurt Zouma and Ben Johnson.
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The latter pair limped off during West Ham's epic 3-2 victory over Chelsea at the London Stadium last weekend as Moyes and the club's fans were made to sweat over the players' conditions.
This is amid their top-heavy run of fixtures as they attempt to maintain a fight on all fronts, currently still competing in the Carabao Cup and Europa League and continuing to battle for a Champions League finish in the Premier League top four.
News has now come out of West Ham on Zouma's condition in what has been described as 'another big injury blow'.
The Latest: Moyes dealt worrying news...
As relayed by The Guardian reporter Jacob Steinburg, West Ham have confirmed that Zouma suffered a hamstring tendon injury in 'another big injury blow'.
The journalist tweeted:
"Kurt Zouma suffered a hamstring tendon injury against Chelsea. Another big injury blow in defence for West Ham who have already lost Angelo Ogbonna for the rest of the season.
"Increases need for a centre-back to arrive next month."
The Verdict: Big blow...
Zouma was playing brilliantly under Moyes before his latest setback, dealing a big blow to the 58-year-old and West Ham, who now have just two senior centre-back options at their disposal.
Unsurprisingly, since this news emerged from east London, the club have been linked with signing a central defender urgently, with both Nathan Ake and James Tarkowski mentioned (Evening Standard).
Given the emergency state of affairs, 90min also claimed that Moyes could turn to the Championship in an effort to boost his options, with the likes of Dael Fry, Rob Dickie and Lloyd Kelly already being scouted.
Whether he opts to swoop for lower league or top-flight standard cover, there is little arguing that the need for a centre-half is now imperative for the Irons, especially considering the greater number of matches this season.
In other news: West Ham could already back Moyes with £17.1m bid to sign 6 foot 3 powerhouse in January, find out more here.