Kurt Zouma injured and out of West Ham’s Europa League showdown with Braga after being seen in walking boot

WEST HAM have suffered a huge injury blow with Kurt Zouma out of their Europa League quarter final second leg against Lyon.

The Frenchman hobbled off during the Hammers’ 2-0 defeat away at Brentford on Sunday with an ankle injury in the first half.

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Kurt Zouma was spotted in a walking boot with West Ham confirming he will miss the crunch clash with Lyon[/caption]

Rex

Zouma, 27, had a scan on Monday which confirmed the knock.

Boss David Moyes will now be without two of his most experienced defenders for one of the club’s biggest ever games on Thursday night.

Alongside Zouma’s absence, Aaron Cresswell will also be forced to watch from the sidelines after being sent off in the first leg against Lyon at the London Stadium last week.

A statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma will miss Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg tie against Olympique Lyonnais.

“The France international defender is to remain in London for further tests and examination on the ankle injury he suffered during Sunday’s Premier League match at Brentford.

“Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Kurt a speedy recovery.”

West Ham’s chances of making the semi-final are now seriously dampened, despite holding on to a 1-1 draw with ten men against the French champions.

Fringe central defender Issa Diop – who came on against Brentford – and Ben Johnson are now likely to start in Lyon.

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Zouma has been an ever-present and reliable performer for Moyes this campaign, with fellow defender Angelo Ogbonna missing almost the entire season with an ACL injury

He was kept in the side even after he was found guilty of kicking and slapping his pet cat in February. 

He, as well as his brother Yoan, are set to be prosecuted by the RSPCA.