Bellamy Avoids Op

West Ham have revealed that Craig Bellamy does not require an operation to cure his stomach problems. The club had feared that the player would need an operation to solve the problem that has kept him out of the squad since October.

"It has now been decided that the op was a last resort," said Curbishley.

"The surgeons have agreed it's not what was needed and that just a lot of hard work was required, which is what he is doing now. We've locked him away with the physiotherapist and the fitness coach to work as hard as he can and to try and recover.

He has got to do this for a couple of weeks as well as all the core fitness work to build up his groin and stomach muscles."