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Kevin Nolan has made 111 league appearances for West Ham

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is set to be out of action for six weeks with a fractured shoulder, according to manager Sam Allardyce.

Nolan damaged his shoulder in training on Thursday, missing the Hammers' 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Allardyce backed "the best and strongest squad I've put together at the club" to handle the absence.

"It didn't affect us at Palace and maybe that's a sign there's more to come," he said.

Mauro Zarate's volleyed debut goal set West Ham en route to victory at Selhurst Park, with Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole also on target.