West Ham confirm Rice injury blow

West Ham have confirmed midfielder Declan Rice is facing a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Rice could reportedly be ruled out for around a month due to the lateral knee ligament damage he suffered in England’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Poland at Wembley last Wednesday.

The loss of the inspirational Rice is a big blow to the Hammers’ hopes of securing a Champions League spot, while England boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping he makes a full recovery in time for Euro 2020, which begins in June.

Rice said: “I’m of course disappointed to have picked up this injury but I’m in good spirits, have started my rehab already and hope to be back on the pitch with the lads soon.

“While I’m not able to be out there, I’ll be giving everything I can to work towards that and supporting the team as we look to continue our very positive season.”

Rehab has started
Gutted to be missing the game tonight.
Overwhelmed by all the support but I’ll be back in no time.
Come on the boys! pic.twitter.com/GHr4F2TODu

— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) April 5, 2021

West Ham boss David Moyes said: “It is disappointing. We knew after the England game that he wasn’t going to be available but anyway we move on. We have been over the disappointment of that feeling.

“It gives other people opportunities and that’s what squads are for and hopefully we have got the squad to deal with it.

“We know we’re missing a good player but the team has been playing really well this year.”

West Ham started Monday’s Premier League clash with Wolves knowing a win would put them fourth in the table.