Nonetheless, he feels that with Sebastien Schemmel, Paolo Di Canio and Trevor Sinclair returning to action at Aston Villa this weekend, there is a little breathing space as Glenn Roeder looks around for one or two loan replacements.
"With those three back and Ian Pearce returning, there are one of two permutations," says Tony.
"Trevor can of course play on the right and that might give Vladimir Labant an opportunity on the left in front of Nigel Winterburn.
"But I am gutted for Don that he will be out for that amount of time, as I am sure is the new Scotland manager, Berti Vogts."
However, like Glenn Roeder, Tony is sure that Hutch will make a full recovery and adds: "There are not a lot of career threatening injuries these days as treatment is so much better.
"Don's problem is similar to what Alan Devonshire had in my playing days but when he returned he had lost 30 or 40% or his effectiveness, even though he was still a great player.
"In Don's case, he was still bedding in at West Ham and perhaps we had yet to see the best of him but there is no doubt he will return to 100% fitness.
"The loss of Steve Lomas is a big blow as well, as he had been doing really well since returning."
Tony does not see it as being easy for West Ham to replace their joint record signing long term but concludes: "I don't envisage a permanent signing before the end of the season, only a loan. But Glenn is sure to move on that front as swiftly as he can."