The West Ham coach is optimistic despite rumours of a six-month injury.

Julian Dicks has delivered an encouraging injury update on West Ham United forward Enner Valencia despite rumours that the forward could be out for a significant period.

West Ham confirmed Valencia suffered a bad injury during the Hammers’ Europa League 2-2 draw on Thursday night but Dicks now says he believes things are not as bad as first thought.

Indeed, the member of Slaven Bilic’s backroom staff responded to a follower enquiring about Valencia’s injury and, despite rumours of a lengthy period on the sidelines, the West Ham coach remains optimistic.

This content could not be loaded I believe it’s not as bad as 1st thought. https://t.co/cvHwyxlb9A — Julian Dicks (@JULIAN3DICKS) July 31, 2015

When asked specifically about whether the 25-year-old could be out for as long as six months, Dicks replied with a ‘don’t know’ but insists he has been told the outlook is not as negative as first thought.

This content could not be loaded I don’t know, only telling you what Has been said https://t.co/NdqoKWVGcd — Julian Dicks (@JULIAN3DICKS) July 31, 2015

Bilic’s first-team reign has got off to a far-from-perfect start. Red cards and now injuries are spoiling what appeared to be a honeymoon period for the Croatian in terms of the number of high-profile signings made in east London since his arrival.

Valencia’s injury should now push West Ham to go for a new striker even more. But can they get a high-quality forward in before the start of the Premier League season?

In other news, 'I don't know': Mourinho says he still isn't sure if Tottenham star will start on Sunday