West Ham dealt major blow as Marko Arnautovic injury rules him out until 2019

Marko Arnautovic looks set to be sidelined until after Christmas after sustaining a hamstring injury in West Ham’s win over Cardiff on Tuesday.

The forward limped off after 40 minutes of the 3-1 victory and though his replacement, Lucas Perez, scored twice to help the Hammers earn three points, Arnautovic’s absence is a significant blow to Manuel Pellegrini’s fast-improving side.

Perez’s goals made a persuasive case for selection against Crystal Palace at the London Stadium, but Arnautovic’s influence will be sorely missed. The Austrian has five goals and two assists in 13 League appearances and, along with Felipe Anderson, is responsible for much of West Ham’s attacking threat.

West Ham insist Jack Wilshere’s omission from the squad last night, after the midfielder complained of pain in his ankle, was merely a precaution.

Wilshere had only just returned from three months out with a different ankle problem, but Pellegrini is hopeful he will be available against Palace. The former Arsenal playmaker came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win at Newcastle last weekend.