Robbie Keane out for six weeks

West Ham striker Robbie Keane looks set to be ruled out for six weeks with a torn calf muscle sustained in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Birmingham, according to the Daily Mail.

Keane was substituted after 76 minutes at Upton Park, and subsequently withdrew from the Republic of Ireland squad to face Wales in the Home Nations Cup.

The news comes as a blow to Hammers boss Avram Grant, who had hoped his January loan signing from Tottenham would be a key figure in his side's relegation fight, especially as they face fellow league strugglers West Brom on Saturday.

Grant is now left to choose from striker Carlton Cole, Frederic Piquionne and new signing Demba Ba, who joined from Hoffenheim in a £6 million move this January, for West Ham's visit to the Hawthorns.

Keane, who is also a doubt for the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifiers in March, has moved to Upton Park until the end of the season, and could secure a £6m permanent move if he helps maintain the Hammers' Premier League status.