Saturday, May 06, 2006

 

Massive Etherington Blow - & Paolo di Canio to Australia?

Hammers hit by Etherington blow (c+p TeamTalk)

West Ham have suffered another major injury blow ahead of the FA Cup final after Matthew Etherington went to hospital for an x-ray on an ankle.

Etherington went over on the ankle in a training session at Upton Park and is unlikely to be fit for Sunday's Premiership clash with Tottenham.

The Hammers are already without suspended midfielder Hayden Mullins and there is a doubt over striker Dean Ashton, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.

"Unfortunately Matty has taken a really bad knock and I think he is doubtful, not just for Sunday but for the cup final," said Pardew.

"That is really bad blow. The whole squad is disappointed that Matty has this injury."

Ashton, meanwhile, limped out of West Ham's 1-0 win over West Brom on Monday night but Pardew believes there is a "strong chance" he will be fit for the final.

He will use an oxygen tent this week to aid his recovery.

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Di Canio Aussie bound? (AAP)

Controversial Italian star Paolo di Canio has confirmed he is considering contract offers from the A-League.

Di Canio says Australia is an option for him due to a contract dispute with Serie A club Lazio.

The 37-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Sydney FC.

"Enough is enough," Di Canio said about his Lazio dispute. "They want me in Australia."

"If any club treated me like this, I would have told them to stick it up their arse."



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