Fredericks blow for Hammers

– An injury to rightback Ryan Fredericks ahead of the busy December period has left West Ham United with a serious problem in defence, with Pablo Zabaleta the only other option available, manager Manuel Pellegrini said on Thursday.

Fredericks was signed on a free transfer from Fulham to provide cover for the 33-year-old Zabaleta, but injured his shin earlier this month and has been ruled out for the rest of the year.

West Ham are 14th and travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League today. – Reuters

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