West Ham handed major injury blow as top defensive star undergoes knee surgery

West Ham defender Kurt Zouma is set for a spell on the sidelines after having surgery on a knee problem.

The Frenchman was forced off during the first half of the 2-0 home defeat by Leicester, in the final Premier League match ahead of the World Cup break.

West Ham did not provide a timescale for Zouma’s expected recovery.

A club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has had surgery on a knee injury.

“The French defender will now continue his rehabilitation at Rush Green with the Club’s medical team.

“Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Kurt a speedy recovery.”

In June, Zouma was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service and banned from keeping cats for five years after admitting kicking and slapping his pet cat.

The Hammers are not back in action until Boxing Day when they head to table-topping Arsenal.

David Moyes’ men will are in massive need of a positive result as they sit just a point above the relegation places.

READ MORE: West Ham handed boost in pursuit of Champions League forward who would be open to Premier League move