West Ham United have been dealt a major injury blow to one of David Moyes' key men…

What’s the latest?

As per injury expert Ben Dinnery, centre-back Kurt Zouma seems to have suffered a serious knee injury following his persistence to play against Leicester City, despite reports that he had pulled up before the game.

“There was no risk up until the warm-up, and it was only when the physio pulled me and said, ‘His knee looks a bit stiff. I’m going to take him in and give him a quick flush, give him something in his knee,’” claimed Moyes.

But the reporter has now revealed to GIVEMESPORT that this could have damaging effects on the Frenchman for the foreseeable future, he said:

“It’s that risk and reward scenario. The decision was taken to let him go and play. We know, historically, he’s had that problematic knee issue, so it looks as if it’s reared its ugly head.”

It’s a huge blow

Despite having added two new centre-backs to the squad in the summer, the absence of Zouma will always be a big miss for Moyes.

The hulking Frenchman has become a mainstay for the Hammers, with his unique blend of 6 foot 2 frame and blistering speed making him the perfect modern-day defender.

It is these qualities that likely led journalist Ben Grounds to dub him “a beast at the back”.

He had formed a fine partnership with stalwart Craig Dawson, offering that pace to complement the steely resolve of the 32-year-old, and although this season has not been as successful as the few prior, the Irons have still only conceded 17 goals in 15 Premier League games this campaign.

This is likely thanks to the exploits of the 28-year-old, who ranks in the top 3% for clearances made per 90.

It is all of these qualities that will make the £125k-per-week man such a big miss for West Ham, but the hope is that due to the enforced World Cup break he will not actually miss too much domestic football.

Whilst that remains wishful thinking, it is all those around east London can hope for as Zouma begins his recuperation.