West Ham United are reported to be looking at submitting a compensation claim to the FA after Carlton Cole suffered a groin strain during England’s 4-0 win against Slovakia. Cole will be out for at least a month.

 

Newcastle United won a settlement over the injury sustained by Michael Owen during the 2006 World Cup and the Hammers are clearly seeking some recompense over the loss of their man following international duty. With Collison and Behrami out, boss Gianfranco Zola is starting to feel a little concerned over his clubs ability to finish strongly.

"It is frustrating because they are important players for us. It is a crucial moment of the season. The whole season has been like that, always having something to deal with."

It may be that the FA’s credit at Upton Park is finally running low after the Tevez affair.

The Italian is also hopeful that Jonathan Spector will make a full recovery after being knocked unconscious during the match against Sunderland. The American suffered concussion after taking a knock when challenging for a header and was taken to hospital. Zola joked “He doesn’t remember me which is a good thing, but he is okay, he shouldn’t be too bad.”