Hammers striker Bellamy faces more time out after fresh injury setback

Craig Bellamy is to see a specialist about the persistent abdominal injury which has disrupted his West Ham season so far.

The Welsh international striker was hoping that a hernia operation performed in Munich three weeks ago by Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, the same surgeon who operated on England striker Michael Owen, had solved the problem.

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Bellamy, though, again felt discomfort in the first half of Saturday's Premier League 0-0 draw with Portsmouth and will miss tomorrow's Carling Cup fourth round tie at Coventry.

"Craig isn't too bad," said West Ham manager Alan Curbishley, "but when he runs around something is niggling in the abdomen region.

"He won't play tomorrow night and it's something which hasn't really gone away since the summer.

"Hopefully now we can get it sorted out quickly."

Considering the wretched luck Curbishley has had with injuries so far this season, his patched-up side have performed well.

At Coventry tomorrow night though, the West Ham manager has only one fit recognised striker available in Carlton Cole.

Bellamy is already out and his first choice striking partner Dean Ashton is still not ready to return following a knee ligament injury sustained at the beginning of October.

Bobby Zamora is also on the injured list while Henri Camara is cup-tied along with Norberto Solano.

"Perhaps we used up our luck at the end of last season," admitted Curbishley. "The treatment room is quite full at the moment. We kept a big squad and it is being tested now.

"The injuries have given the rest of the squad their chance and they're going out there and doing the business for us. Long may that continue."

Lee Bowyer looks likely to be recalled at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow while goalkeeper Robert Green, who was yet again West Ham's hero when he saved Benjani's injury time penalty at Fratton Park, will be rested, with Richard Wright coming in.

Green's outstanding display was another reminder to England and Curbishley said: "I've spoken to Steve McClaren about Dean Ashton's fitness and Robert Green also got a mention in the conversation.

"The message to Robert at the moment is 'keep going' and see what happens."