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West Ham striker Javier Hernandez is set to be out for "at least" ten days with his muscle injury according to Manuel Pellegrini.

The Mexican frontman picked up the injury against Watford and missed the win at Southampton and defeat at Burnley last time out as a result. Lucas Perez has deputised in his absence but really struggled.

The surprise return of Marko Arnautovic to the starting lineup for the 2-0 defeat to the Clarets did provide the manager with a boost but as is seemingly the way this season, it's one step forward and one step back.

Hernandez is set to miss the Premier League games against Brighton and Arsenal as well as the FA Cup third round tie against Birmingham Ciy next weekend at the very least.

The Hammers boss told the media after the defeat to Burnley that while Hernandez is out, Pablo Zabaleta could return to face the Seagulls in Stratford on Wednesday: "Javier had a muscle injury in the game against Watford, he needs at least ten days more to recover.

"Pablo Zabaleta maybe, he started moving today [Sunday] it was the first that he was without his fever, probably he can be fit for Wednesday.

"The other players, no, they do not have any option to be ready."

That means Fabian Balbuena will miss out for the third straight game with a knee injury which the club haven't revealed a timescale on for his potential return though football.london understands it is not being considered serious.

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