West Ham forward Enner Valencia ruled out for up to 12 weeks

West Ham forward Enner Valencia will miss up to 12 weeks of the new season

West Ham forward Enner Valencia has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a leg injury.

Valencia tweeted on Monday to confirm he does not require surgery after suffering the problem in the Europa League third qualifying round draw with Astra Giurgiu.

But West Ham have moved to clarify the situation, insisting the Ecuador international may yet require an operation after damaging his right knee and ankle in the 2-2 draw with the Romanian side at Upton Park.

Valencia scored the opening goal in that game as the Hammers spurned a two-goal advantage but he has since been assessed by a consultant and Stijn Vandenbroucke, the club's head of medical and sports science, revealed he will be out for an extended period.

"Enner visited the consultant on Monday morning, when we discussed the results of the scans he underwent on the injury last Friday," he told the club's official website.

"The outcome is that there is now a very small chance that he will need an operation and that we instead hope to treat the injury to his fibula using conservative treatment, which we hope to start in three weeks.

David Gold is busy behind the scenes in the transfer market David Gold is busy behind the scenes in the transfer market

"We will know for sure whether or not Enner will need an operation next week, but if everything goes to plan we hope that he will be available for selection again within 10 to 12 weeks.

"Enner will spend the next three weeks in a walking boot and using crutches, after which we will start his rehabilitation."

With club-record signing Andy Carroll also ruled out through injury, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic is likely to try and sign another attacking player before the transfer window closes.

Bilic has Diafra Sakho, Mauro Zarate and Mobido Maiga to choose from for the Europa League return leg in Romania and their Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday.

Watch West Ham's first game of the Premier League season when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 at 12:30pm.

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