David Moyes has confirmed Angelo Ogbonna is likely out for the season, as the West Ham United defender needs surgery for a cruciate ligament injury, via quotes by football.london.
Ogbonna suffered the blow during the Hammers’ 3-2 win over Liverpool earlier this month. The 33-year-old was able to carry on initially, but exited the action for a separate incident.
Scans the Monday after the Irons hosted the Reds at the London Stadium revealed damage to Ogbonna’s right knee. He will now go under the knife soon to repair the affected area.
Ogbonna has been a mainstay of Moyes’ plans so far this season, so his absence will come as a big blow for West Ham. He is one of just eight players to start all 11 of the Hammers’ Premier League fixtures, and one of only two defenders with left-back Aaron Cresswell.
The centre-half has also formed a strong partnership with the Irons’ £30m summer signing Kurt Zouma in recent weeks. Moyes will now hope Issa Diop or Craig Dawson can replace him, with Ogbonna’s season likely over after his injury.
“We think surgery for Angelo will take place over the next couple of days, and it’s really sad because he’s a great team player and his performances have been great,” Moyes said.
“Cruciate ligaments tend to take about nine-months. I don’t think there is a quick return. There is a period that has to be taken, so I think it will be hard for Angelo to be back this season.”
Will West Ham replace Ogbonna in January transfer window after injury?
West Ham are likely to offer Ogbonna a new, one-year contract given his injury, per The Athletic. The Italian’s existing deal worth £70k-a-week is currently due to expire next June.
But his absence for the rest of the season may also see Moyes dip into the transfer window for a new centre-back in January.
Reports by 90min note a new centre-back was not Moyes’ priority before West Ham lost Ogbonna to injury. While the Evening Standard add they like Burnley’s James Tarkowski.
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