Knee injury big blow for West Ham's Boa Morte

West Ham United's Luis Boa Morte could be out of action until 2010 after suffering knee ligament damage in the club's 1-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League's Asia Trophy on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old Portugal attacking midfielder collapsed in agony after tangling with Spurs left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto nine minutes into the match and was stretchered off with his leg in a brace.

"West Ham can confirm that Luis Boa Morte could be out until 2010 after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee," the club said on their website (www.whufc.com).