David Moyes confirms in press conference the ‘sad’ news that West Ham star Angelo Ogbonna faces surgery on his damaged ACL.
West Ham lost one of their big leaders after worrying rumours surrounding a serious knee injury to Ogbonna proved true last week.
The injury was always likely to sideline Ogbonna long-term.
But there was some hope, given that Ogbonna initially played on after sustaining the injury, that he may not need surgery and could get back quicker than most.
David Moyes confirms ‘sad’ news about West Ham star Angelo Ogbonna as defender faces surgery
But West Ham boss Moyes has now confirmed the big Italian fan favourite is set to undergo surgery on the injury, which will almost certainly keep Ogbonna out for the rest of a jam-packed season.
“We think surgery for Angelo will take place over the next couple of days,” Moyes said in his pre-match presser (whufc.com).
“And it’s really sad because he’s a great team player and his performances have been great.
“I don’t think there is a quick return. It will be hard for Angelo to be back this season.”
The news comes as a big blow as the Hammers are fighting on all fronts.
West Ham go into the game against Wolves knowing a win could put them level on points with leaders Chelsea.
Moyes’s side are one game away from the Carabao Cup semi-finals and on the brink of qualifying for the Europa League last 16 too.
A huge part of West Ham’s success is the brilliant partnership between Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma.
But now Craig Dawson or Issa Diop, until January at least, will have to step up.
Ogbonna recently out about his disappointment and determination to fight back from the injury.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk missed the rest of the 2020-21 season when injuring his ACL last October and was back playing nine months later.
Meanwhile, Leicester’s James Justin sustained ACL damage in February and is yet to return to action – Brendan Rodgers hopes to have him back this month after the player resumed light training.
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan has confirmed Ogbonna, who turns 34 at the end of the season, will be offered a new contract with his deal up in the summer.