Yossi Benayoun has been ruled out of West Ham United's trip to the Hawthorns this weekend.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who is at the Boleyn on a season-long loan from parent club Chelsea broke down in training this week and will miss his fifth successive match as a result.Benayoun, who was accused of 'going missing' by some supporters during the second and final season of his initial spell at West Ham between 2005-2007 was close to returning for last weekend's visit of Liverpool but, according to Sam Allardyce, is definitely out of this weekend's game too.
And, as a result of his persistent problem, the Israeli has been sent back to West London until he recovers from his latest knock.
“Our big problem with Yossi at the moment is to try and get him fit," Allardyce said today. "He broke down in training last week after we thought that he would be okay. At the moment he’s back with Chelsea trying to recover from that injury."
And when questioned as to whether Allardyce would like to make Benayoun's loan deal permanent, the Hammers boss replied: "We would make that decision in January, because it’s stipulated in the loan agreement."
Benayoun returned to West Ham United on the final day of the summer transfer window, since when he has made just six appearances. His most recent outing was at St James' Park against Newcastle on 11th November, a game in which he sustained the knee injury that has kept him out of action ever since.
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