Hammer blow for Grant as Hitzlsperger ruled out for a month

West Ham have suffered a major injury blow after summer signing Thomas Hitzlsperger was ruled out for a month with a thigh injury.

The German international has been outstanding for the club during pre-season following his summer move from Lazio.

But Hitzlsperger picked up a thigh problem playing for Germany against Denmark last week and was forced to miss the opening league game against Aston Villa.

The experienced midfielder was left out of the Germany squad for the World Cup and was keen to make an impression after being recalled, but was forced to leave the field midway through the second-half of the 2-2 draw.

After undergoing medical tests in London last week, scans have shown the injury is a lot worse than first feared and he is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The news will come as a major blow to West Ham's new manager Avram Grant, who was hoping to partner Hitzlsperger with Scott Parker at the heart of his midfield.

With West Ham crashing to a 3-0 defeat against Villa on the opening day of the season, Grant will be desperate to see his big summer signing make a quick return to first-team action.