West Ham United

West Ham United are confident Lucas Neill will not be sidelined for 'too long'.

The January signing hurt knee ligaments during Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to fellow strugglers Watford.

Neill was forced off in the first half, just a fortnight after an ankle injury against Watford in the FA Cup cut short his Hammers debut.

The defender aggravated his ankle complaint at the weekend and also suffered medial ligament damage in his knee.

Though the Australia international could miss West Ham's next Premiership game against Charlton Athletic on 24th February, the club are hoping it will not prove to be a lengthy absence.

"Lucas landed awkwardly on his ankle, but also injured his knee at the same time and that was the greater concern for us," head physio Steve Allen told the club's official website.

"He underwent an MRI scan on Monday afternoon, which revealed a grade one medial collateral ligament sprain - the least serious level of that particular injury.

"He is now undergoing intensive treatment with the medical staff and, although I wouldn't like to put a timescale on his recovery until we have gauged his response to that treatment, I am confident that he won't be sidelined for too long.

"We will review the situation again at the end of the week and should then have a clearer idea of when he is likely to return to first-team action."