O’Neil to miss rest of season

West Ham United midfielder Gary O’Neil will miss the remainder of the English Premier League season after undergoing surgery on his ankle.The 27-year-old will be missed as the Hammers try and avoid relegation in the last five games of the season.

O’Neil, who suffered the injury after a tackle from Nigel Reo-Coker in West Ham’s 2-1 loss against Aston Villa on April 16, has made eight appearances for the club since joining from Middlesbrough in January.

“I have got some joint damage in the ankle which they had to sort but I am told it went well,” O’Neil said.

“I am disappointed not to be involved for the last five games but (I’m) looking to get back as fast as I can next season.”

West Ham are two points from safety but face a tough trip to Stamford Bridge and second-placed Chelsea on Saturday.

O’Neil said he was ready to support his teammates while maintaining focus on his comeback.

“I have got my head around the timescale involved for my comeback. I have just got to keep my foot up for a few weeks and then take it from there,” O’Neil said.