West Ham's troubles have increased with the news that midfielder Lee Bowyer has been ruled out for six weeks.

The midfielder - 30 tomorrow - dislocated a shoulder in yesterday's 6-0 Premiership defeat at Reading.

Bowyer was forced off in the 17th minute after falling awkwardly under a challenge from James Harper.

Hammers' head physiotherapist Steve Allen said: 'Lee sustained a dislocation to his right shoulder - and although the joint is now back in place, he will be in a brace for around three weeks.'

Allen added on his club's official website: 'We are probably looking at a spell of six weeks before he is fit to play again.'

Yesterday's defeat leaves Alan Curbishley's side still rooted in the bottom three.