Jarrod Bowen faces around six weeks on the sidelines with the fractured foot he sustained against Liverpool, Sky Sports News understands.
The 28-year-old limped off in the 60th minute as Julen Lopetegui’s side were hammered at the London Stadium and no timescale had been given for his return.
Bowen revealed he sustained the injury during the first half but tried to play on.
There were fears Bowen, who has scored six goals this season, could be sidelined for up to two months, but Hammers boss Lopetegui is hopeful the 28-year-old will be back in action a lot sooner.
“Unfortunately for us, yes, he has an injury,” said Lopetegui. “He was able to play 30 minutes with this injury and now he has to rest and he has to recover.
“Let’s see, but it’s not going to be about a few days. It’s not good news for us, but it’s the moment for other players that we have.
“We are sure that Jarrod is going to recover quicker because of his character, but it’s true that he’s going to be out in the next matches.
“Let’s see. I prefer not to say about one number because we have to see how he’s going to develop the next weeks.
Bowen receives treatment to his left foot during West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool
“Jarrod is one of our main players, for sure, and our captain too. But now we have to be able to find a solution and it’s the moment for other players to show that they are ready to help us and ensure that their answer is going to be good.
“So we are looking for the recovery as soon as possible for Jarrod, but in the same way, believing in the players that are in the squad and they are going to try to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Bowen is West Ham’s top scorer this season with five Premier League goals and has the most assists with four.
His injury comes as a significant blow for the under-pressure Lopetegui, who has struggled since taking over from David Moyes in the summer.
West Ham are 13th in the Premier League with six wins from their 19 games, and they sit eight points above the bottom three.
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Highlights from the Premier League clash between West Ham and Liverpool
Tomas Soucek is set to take the captain’s armband for Saturday’s trip to Manchester City.
There was positive news from the Hammers camp this week when Michail Antonio was discharged from hospital following the car accident he was involved in early last month.
The 34-year-old striker underwent surgery on a broken leg and will require a lengthy spell of rehabilitation for his injuries.
“Michail is going to be out for a long time for sure,” said Lopetegui. “But it’s good news that he’s at home.
“He’s enjoying his family and for sure that he’s going to try to recover as soon as possible, but we are not going to have Antonio in a lot of time.”
Which games could Bowen miss? West Ham’s next fixtures
Jan 4: Man City (a)
Jan 10: Aston Villa (a) – FA Cup
Jan 14: Fulham (h)
Jan 18: Crystal Palace (h)
Jan 26: Aston Villa (a) – Live on Sky Sports
Feb 3: Chelsea (a) – Live on Sky Sports
Feb 15: Brentford (h)
