John Paintsil has been sidelined with injuy, but West Ham manager Alan Pardew is still waiting to discover for how long.

Pantsil damaged knee ligaments during Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool and he looks likely to miss the Aston Villa match on September 10.

Then the Hammers play Palermo in the UEFA Cup first round first leg tie four days later.

Pardew: 'It's a big blow to us because we've just got John settled in really well. He will be out for a bit.

'He has come into the team and has made a really good impression, not only for me but everyone.

'He has played his part in our good start to the season and it's another knock for us, especially following the injuries to Deano (Ashton) and the likes of Matty Etherington before the campaign started.'