Wednesday 25 March 2015 18:29, UK
James Tomkins has had successful surgery on his dislocated shoulder and could yet return this season.
The West Ham defender was injured in training ahead of Saturday's defeat at Arsenal, and there were fears he may not play again this season.
But the club's head of sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke says the aim is to have Tomkins back some time in the remaining nine Premier League games.
He said: "James Tomkins underwent successful surgery on Wednesday and will now commence his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning to fitness before the end of the season."
Vandenbroucke also revealed Carlton Cole has recovered from his hamstring injury and will be available to face Sunderland on Saturday Night Football along with Adrian, who kept goal at Arsenal despite a dislocated finger.
But Enner Valencia (toe) and Winston Reid (hamstring) will not be ready for the weekend, and Andy Carroll has only just begun walking without crutches as he recovers from a knee injury.
Doneil Henry, the young defender who has been on loan at Blackburn, injured a hamstring at the weekend and will also need surgery.
Watch West Ham v Sunderland live on Sky Sports 1 from 4.45pm this Saturday.
