Carlton Cole will be sidelined for six weeks with the groin injury sustained playing for England against Slovakia last weekend.

This is a major blow for all involved. The West Ham striker has undoubtedly been a revelation (9 goals, 5 assists) and in fantasy terms, had become a huge favourite (14% FPL ownership) in a season where budget forwards have proven invaluable assets.

Zola hopes to have Cole back in the side before the end of the season but in the meantime, he’ll turn to Tristan, Di Michele and Savio to carry the burden of scoring the goals to push the Hammers towards Europe. With a fairly tough run of forthcoming fixtures (SUN tot avl CHE stk), we may well see Zola’s side continue to tighten up at the back to compensate for the lack of firepower.