West Ham United midfielder Dimitri Payet has been ruled out for three months with an ankle injury sustained in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Everton.
Payet was substituted early in the second half at Upton Park following a strong tackle from James McCarthy and his replacement, Enner Valencia, also had to be taken off on a stretcher 20 minutes later.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said after the match that the two injuries "don't look good" and after receiving the results of a scan it was confirmed that the Croatian boss will be without France international Payet until February.
A statement on the club's website said: "The France international had a scan on Sunday and after a consultation with a specialist on Monday, it is likely that he will be ruled out of action for three months."
ICYMI: We've got an update on @dimpayet17's injury at https://t.co/udSSKg85YP #WHUFC #COYI pic.twitter.com/hzrdraADlc
- West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) November 9, 2015
Payet, 28, has been a key factor in West Ham's strong start to the season, contributing five goals and three assists as the Hammers currently sit sixth in the Premier League table.
West Ham will have to make a quick adjustment to life without their midfield creative force, as two of their first three matches after the international break see them visit London rivals Tottenham on Nov. 22 and travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Dec. 5.
The club are still awaiting an update on Valencia, who was due to link up with the Ecuador squad for their World Cup qualifiers before he was injured against Everton.
"Enner Valencia's ankle injury will be assessed by a specialist early next week," the website said.