West Ham ’ s hopes of finishing in the top four have suffered another shock after scans revealed that Kurt Zouma suffered a dangerous hamstring injury during last Saturday ’ s victory over Chelsea. David Moyes is facing a defensive crisis after losing both of his first-choice centre-backs to injury. Zouma is set for a drawn-out spell on the sidelines after damaging a hamstring tendon and Angelo Ogbonna is out for the stay of the season after sustaining a stifle wound during West Ham ’ s gain over Liverpool last calendar month. Zouma, who has been excellent since his £29.8m switch from Chelsea last summer, is expected to be out for six to 12 weeks. His absence will increase the need for Moyes to sign a centre-back in January. Craig Dawson and Issa Diop are the only match centre-backs in West Ham ’ s squad.

West Ham, who are fourth in the Premier League, are longtime admirers of Burnley ’ s James Tarkowski. The centre-back is out of narrow at the end of the season but Burnley are reluctant to sell in January. Sean Dyche hopes Tarkowski will see out the season and help his side keep off relegation. It remains to be seen whether West Ham are train to meet Burnley ’ s £20m asking price for a actor available for dislodge in the summer. That could lead them to shift their focus but it is understand that any try to sign Manchester City ’ s Nathan Aké is improbable to be successful. Quick Guide

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A West Ham affirmation said : “ West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma sustained a hamstring tendon injury during Saturday ’ s Premier League victory against Chelsea. A scan on Monday revealed the damage and the 27-year-old french international defender has already started his convalescence program at Rush Green under the supervision of the checkup team. ” West Ham are without the left-back Ben Johnson for improving to a month with hamstring wound, although Aaron Cresswell is close to returning from a rear injury. West Ham are besides hunting for reinforcements in attack. They have targeted Manchester United ’ s Jesse Lingard, who is out of contract future summer .