West Ham have confirmed Fabian Balbuena has been ruled out for up to two months after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.
The Paraguayan limped off shortly after conceding a penalty during the home loss to Watford before Christmas and has not been seen since.
The 27-year-old was assessed at the club’s Rush Green training ground the following day and has now on the mend after going under the knife.
A statement on the club's official website read: "One player who will be unavailable is Fabian Balbuena, who will be out for the next six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on the meniscus in his left knee."
Balbuena had formed a firm partnership with fellow summer arrival Issa Diop at the back this season, meaning his continue absence is a blow.
Angelo Ogbonna has been deputising in Balbuena's absence, with West Ham winning just one of their three Premier League games since the summer signing's injury.
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