Faubert injured in Sigma reverse

West Ham United stepped up their pre-season preparations with a rigorous work-out against Sigma Olomouc in Austria on Tuesday evening.

Hammers suffered a 1-0 defeat against the Czech outfit, but of more concern to Alan Curbishley was an injury to new French signing Julien Faubert, who was taken off with an Achilles injury 10 minutes before the break.

The 23-year-old winger will undergo a scan tomorrow to determine the extent of the damage.

On a more positive note, Dean Ashton continued on the comeback trail with a decent 60-minute run-out, while Craig Bellamy made his Hammers debut and came close to grabbing a late equaliser with a 20-yard strike that crashed back off the crossbar.

Sigma had grabbed the only goal of the game just before half-time, with a neat finish from close range following a well-worked move.

Meanwhile, back at home, the reserve team secured a 3-1 friendly win over non-league side Hornchurch.

Goals from Junior Stanislas, Jack Jeffery and Zavon Hines sealed victory for Kevin Keen's young side, before the hosts grabbed a late consolation.

Hammers will now continue pre-season training work at their Austrian camp before facing Lazio in Lebring on Saturday.

Hammers: Wright (Walker 45), Spector (Ferdinand 60), Collins (Davenport 45), Upson (Gabbidon 45), McCartney (Dailly 45); Faubert (Collison 35), Parker (Noble 45), Bowyer (Mullins 45), Reid (Boa Morte 45); Ashton (Bellamy 60), Cole (Zamora 60).