West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna is ruled out for the SEASON after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury after impressive start to the season and is set for surgery as David Moyes admits the news is ‘really sad’
- West Ham were dealt a blow after Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out for the season
- The centre-back helped the Hammers rise into the top four after a great start
- David Moyes confirmed the news and said it was ‘sad for the defender
West Ham have been dealt a big blow after centre-back Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after damaging his anterior cruciate ligaments in his knee.
The Italian had been one of the club’s top performers this season and a huge reason for their impressive rise into the top four under David Moyes, but his manager admitted it was unlikely we would see him again in this campaign.
He had started all 11 games for the Hammers this term, and now leaves the team with just three senior centre-back options in Issa Diop, Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson.
Angelo Ogbonna will miss the rest of the season after injury his anterior cruciate ligaments
The 33-year-old Italian suffered the injury during his side’s 3-2 win over Liverpool last month
Moyes confirmed the ‘sad news’, revealing the player was set for surgery,.
‘We think surgery for Angelo will take place over the next couple of days and it’s really sad because he’s a great team player and his performances have been great.
‘I think it would be hard for Angelo to be back this season.’
The 33-year-old joined the club from Juventus in 2015 and has gone on to play nearly 200 times, becoming an ever-present member of the squad across the last seven Premier League seasons.
West Ham are looking at Hertha Berlin’s Niklas Stark as they seek reinforcements in January
Sportsmail revealed West Ham were looking at defensive reinforcements in January after Ogbonna picked up his blow in the 3-2 win over Liverpool on November 7, with club looking at Hertha Berlin star Niklas Stark as a possible replacement.
The club were always looking to strengthen their back line next summer but the injury suffered by Ogbonna has forced them to bring those plans forward.
Stark’s contract expires at the end of the season so could represent a bargain buy for the east Londoners.