Behrami sidelined for Hammers
Posted Sunday, May 09, 2010 by PA
Valon Behrami has been ruled out of West Ham's final match of the Barclays Premier League season against Manchester City.
The Switzerland international twisted his knee in the defeat at Fulham and joins Herita Ilunga (thigh), Zavon Hines (ankle) and Jack Collison (knee) on the sidelines.
Boss Gianfranco Zola has confirmed Collison faces nine months out after undergoing surgery to repair cartilage damage.
Zola has backed Scott Parker as the ideal replacement for Gareth Barry if the City midfielder fails to make the World Cup.
Barry is expected to be sidelined for a month after suffering ankle ligament damage and England's opening match of the tournament against the United States is just five weeks away.
The 29-year-old has become a key figure in the England midfield and is certain to be included in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man squad, which is named on Tuesday.
But Barry will definitely be absent from the friendlies against Mexico and Japan - fixtures which cover the two training camps in Austria that Capello views as essential World Cup preparation.
Zola is convinced that if Capello was to find himself without Barry then Parker, West Ham's player of the year, would be the perfect alternative.
"If they take Scott Parker they will not be disappointed," said Zola.
"He has been our player of the season. For me personally, he has been exceptional. He has been an inspiration for others.
"If you ask me, I would say take him but then I am his manager. I know that Capello will do the right things."
Stephen Ireland (ankle) will also miss out as City look for a victory that would confirm them in fifth spot.
- Tag:
Photos
More»
De Bruyne's glamorous Wag stuns in low-cut dress
Tuesday April 23 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Coventry 3-3 Man Utd (2-4 pens)
Monday April 22 2024
Your Say