Hammer blow for Ryan Fredericks

West Ham defender Ryan Fredericks will be out for around six weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old full-back suffered the injury during Sunday’s FA Cup third-round victory at Gillingham.

Hammers head of medical Richard Collinge said: “Ryan injured his hamstring while chasing back late in the first half and was assessed immediately before undergoing a scan.

“He will now begin a period of rehabilitation and recovery, with the plan being to return to action before the end of February.”

The right-back was Manuel Pellegrini’s first signing when he signed from Fulham on July 1 2018.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph is reportedly set to join West Ham after the two clubs reportedly agreed a transfer fee.

Reports suggest the Boro shot-stopper is due to have a medical within the next 24 hours, after weeks of rumours linking Randolph to the Hammers

Randolph joined Boro in 2017 from West Ham and is set for a return to East London following an injury hit season on Teesside.

According to the Athletic, Boro had had already turned down a bid for the Irish international – but a second bid in the region of £4m was not to be sniffed at.