Hammer blow with Boa Morte out for months

West Ham have been dealt a hammer blow just ahead of the new season with striker Luis Boa Morte out of action for months after suffering ligament damage.

The Portuguese forward landed awkwardly in the 14th minute before being carried off on a stretcher with his leg in a brace as the Hammers lost 1-0 to London rivals Spurs in the Barclays Asia Trophy here on Wednesday.

Hospital tests showed Boa Morte had damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, which could rule him out until next year.

“West Ham United can confirm that Luis Boa Morte could be out until 2010 after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee,” the club said in a statement.

“Boa Morte will undergo further tests to determine whether or not he will require surgery when the swelling on his injured knee goes down.”

Manager Gianfranco Zola admitted losing the 31-year-old was a massive setback.

“This is a major blow. Luis is an important player for us,” he said.

“I am really sorry for him. I think certainly the injury was one of the problems (behind West Ham’s loss), but physically we need to catch up a little bit,” he added.

With barely two weeks to go until the new season kicks off, Zola is keen to add another striker to a diminished frontline that includes Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and new signing Frank Nouble.

“We need to improve that part, we are working on that,” he said.