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West Ham’s Lukasz Fabianski faces a long period on the sidelines after suffering a broken cheekbone and eye socket in their win over Nottingham Forest… and the Polish goalkeeper will possibly require surgery.
- Lukasz Fabianski suffered the facial injury in the 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest
- David Moyes admitted West Ham are unsure if the injury requires surgery
- Fabianski, 37, will have no contract at the London Stadium in the summer
West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is set for a long period sidelined after suffering a gruesome facial injury.
The Polish veteran may require surgery after suffering a broken cheekbone and eye socket against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Fabianski’s face collided with the knee of the Bosque Felipe defender and he was immediately substituted.
Manager David Moyes said: ‘We don’t really know if he will have surgery or heal on his own, or a span of time at the moment.
I’m waiting, but I couldn’t give you an answer. We have received the surgeon’s report, but I think a decision needs to be made as to whether it is surgery or natural healing.
Lukasz Fabianski suffered the injury during West Ham’s 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Fabianski was sent off in the second half and the 37-year-old may now require surgery.
Fabianski joined West Ham from Swansea for £7 million in 2018 and has made 164 appearances.
But the 37-year-old will not have a contract at London Stadium this summer.
“It’s huge for us and obviously huge for the goalkeeper as well,” added Moyes. “At the stage of his career for him too.”
Alphonse Areola will now have the chance to claim his right to be West Ham’s number one.
The 30-year-old, who was in France’s World Cup squad, has been limited to appearances in cup competitions since joining from Paris St Germain last year.
Areola will be in the Hammers’ line-up at Old Trafford on Wednesday night when they face Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round.
Danny Ings, who scored his first goals for the club in a 4-0 win over Forest, is cup-tied so Michail Antonio, who also found the net after coming on as a substitute, is set to start in the attack.