West Ham United have been hit with the news that key midfielder Dimitri Payet will miss the next three months of the season with an ankle injury.
The Frenchman, who joined the Hammers from Marseille in the summer transfer window, has scored five goals and registered three assists in 12 Premier League appearances this season.
However, the 28-year-old will not be seen in a West Ham shirt until 2016 after sustaining an ankle problem in his team's 1-1 draw with Everton at the weekend.
"West Ham United can confirm that midfielder Payet suffered an injury to his left ankle during Saturday's game with Everton," read a statement on the club's official website.
"The France international had a scan on Sunday and after a consultation with a specialist on Monday, it is likely that he will be ruled out of action for three months.
"Payet picked up the injury following a collision with Everton midfielder James McCarthy and was forced to leave the field early in the second half."
West Ham are also waiting on news regarding the knock that Enner Valencia picked up in the same match.
