The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/07/31/08/EnnerValencia.jpg?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=1024)
West Ham have confirmed that their Ecuadorian forward Enner Valencia suffered a "significant injury" to his right knee and ankle during the club's 2-2 Europa League qualifying draw on Thursday.
Valencia gave the Hammers the lead with his header in the third-round tie against Romanian side Astra Giurgiu at Upton Park, but was taken off soon after when he fell awkwardly in a challenge.
Following the game, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic admitted he was "unhappy" about the injury.
"I am worried. It looks serious but we won't know for sure until he has a scan. This is the reason I am unhappy," he said.
And the club have now confirmed that the issue may be serious, with Valencia set to see a specialist to determine how long he could be sidelined for.
"Enner Valencia sustained what initially appears to be a significant injury to his right knee and right ankle during Thursday's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie with Astra Giurgiu," a statement on the club's website read.
"The Ecuador forward will see a specialist consultant at a clinic in central London on Monday morning and an update will be provided following that meeting.
"It is too early to put a timescale on how long Enner's recovery and rehabilitation period may be."
The pick of the televised games in August and September
![](https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/01/31/20/462576672.png?crop=8:5,smart&quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Valencia signed for the Hammers on a five-year contract from Mexican side Pachuca last July following a World Cup campaign in which the forward scored three goals for his nation.