Hammers fear Carlton Cole could be out for weeks

West Ham striker Carlton Cole faces a long lay-off after injuring a groin in England's friendly international against Slovakia.

Cole, who would have been favourite replace the injured Emile Heskey in Fabio Capello's line-up for England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley tonight, faced further scans on the injury today.

West Ham fear that Cole has ruptured a groin muscle which could put him out for weeks, possibly ending his season.

Cole's injury is a big blow for the Hammers, who have lost Valon Behrami and Jack Collison recently.

Behrami is out for at least six months after damaging knee ligaments while Collison, who dislocated his knee, could also be out until next season.