West Ham United can confirm that David Bentley will be out for up to six months after undergoing knee surgery.
Bentley has made five appearances for the club, including two starts, since joining on transfer deadline day.
Speaking to whufc.com, Sam Allardyce said: "It is a great shame for David as he had settled in well to the squad. We wish him well and hope he has a speedy recovery."
While, the 27-year-old faces a lengthy absence, the Hammers are hoping to be able to call on the likes of Winston Reid, Mark Noble and Matt Taylor again this weekend at home to Blackpool, while Robert Green is progressing well after his knee surgery on 30 September that ruled him out for six weeks.
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