Ankle operation rules out O’Neil

O’Neil will miss the last five games of the Premier League season

West Ham midfielder Gary O’Neil is set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old was injured after a tackle by Nigel Reo-Coker in the Hammers’ 2-1 Premier League defeat by Aston Villa at Upton Park on 16 April.

O’Neil said: “I have got some joint damage in the ankle which they had to sort but I am told it went well.

“I am disappointed not to be involved for the last five games but looking to get back as fast as I can next season.”

O’Neill has made eight appearances for the Hammers after joining in January from Championship side Middlesbrough.

West Ham currently sit second from bottom in the Premier League table, two points from safety and they travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to face third-placed Chelsea.

“I will be right behind the lads and I’ll be cheering them on at the remaining matches,” continued O’Neil.

“I have got my head around the timescale involved for my comeback. I have just got to keep my foot up for a few weeks and then take it from there.”