West Ham have confirmed that striker Carlton Cole will not need surgery on the knee injury sustained against Burnley last weekend, however, Cole could still be sidelined for up to two months according to some reports.

Cole will begin rehabilitation and, while some are estimating that he could make a return at just after Christmas, other views anticipate that the 7-goal striker will miss a longer period.

The news will leave West Ham extremely lightweight in attack, with Guille Franco, Alessandro Diamanti and young Zavon Hines the main options open to Gianfranco Zola. The latter will likely be handed the opportunity to shine over the coming weeks, starting with the United game this weekend…

Hines has already shown eye-catching pace and potential. Situated firmly in the budget bracket, Hines presents a striking solution for those fantasy managers seeking to free up some cash in their squad. At just 4.5 in the Fantasy Premier League game, Hines already has a goal and 2 assists to his name. Only Birmingham’s Jerome (4.4) can offer similar value amongst the strikers likely to start this weekend.

West Ham’s fixtures could be kinder to the young strikers prospects. He can look forward to coming up against both the United and Chelsea defences in the next four gameweeks (MUN bir bol CHE POR tot WLV avl). Birmingham and Bolton away won’t be an easy prospect either. For me, that casts some doubt over his value given that, for a little more cash, you can take a look at Burnley’s Steven Fletcher who has the form and fixtures that promise continued returns.