With Robbie Stockdale and Hayden Mullins ineligible for Spurs on Wednesday, and Tomas Repka suspended, bodies are thin on the ground, and Paul admits:
"Picking up David's one was a big blow on Saturday along with Hayden having to go off at half time - though Rob came on and did very well in midfield.
"We certainly lost a bit of our cutting edge and David's thigh doesn't look too special.
"I am a coach so I can't say how long someone is going to be injured for but a muscle strain is a difficult one and David tells me he has never had a thigh strain in his life.
"He looks after himself very well and is always conditioning himself and stretching so I am sure his body will heal very quickly.
"Hopefully Hayden's problem is more of a contact injury so I am sure it will clear up pretty soon."
Ian Pearce is still doubtful, and Paul adds:
"At one point it looked like he might be okay for Saturday but in the end he wasn't and that is a bit concerning."
Rufus Brevett are still on the long term injured list, of course, but there is good news about Kevin Horlock, though, and Paul says:
"Kevin is back in training so that is a big plus for us."
For Spurs, Paul Konchesky is ineligible, while former Hammer Fredi Kanoute is out with an ankle injury.
Simon Davies is also missing, while Mauricio Taricco and Darren Anderton both picked up knocks in Sunday's draw with Middlesbrough.