Duo ruled out just before kick-off against Blackburn

West Ham suffered a double injury blow before kick-off on Saturday with Valon Behrami and Zavon Hines both forced to withdraw through injury.

The pair were set to play in the starting XI against Blackburn at Ewood Park, with Behrami even named on the teamsheet.

The Swiss midfielder however was injured in the warm up and was replaced by Jonathan Spector.

Hines was also absent and it is believed he has hurt the same knee which kept him out of action for almost a year. Th Jamaican-born striker was set to make his first start since his 11 months out of the game.

“He (Behrami) had a hip problem and Zavon Hines was going to play also, he weren’t good, his knee started to swell up,” boss Avram Grant said after the match.