West Ham United have suffered a big blow with the news that midfielder Dimitri Payet is set to be out of action for the next three months.
Payet was forced off during West Ham's 1-1 weekend draw against Everton as a result of a challenge from Toffees midfielder James McCarthy.
The Frenchman underwent a scan on his ankle on Sunday and following a consultation with a specialist earlier today, has been ruled out for three months.
The news rules Payet out of the busy festive period of fixtures and is a big blow for the Hammers' hopes of maintaining their lofty placing in the Premier League through to the new year.
Payet has been a key man for Slaven Bilic's side this season, regularly shining during games.
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Now the sixth placed Hammers will have to make do without Payet's silky skills.
West Ham snapped Payet up from French giants Marseille in the summer transfer window and the midfielder is already widely considered to be one of the signings of the season.
