Hammers loan star David Bentley underwent exploratory surgery yesterday to assess the extent of his knee injury

West Ham loan signing David Bentley has returned to Tottenham and is set to be out for at least two months after suffering a knee injury.

The 27-year-old winger suffered the injury in training last week and underwent exploratory keyhole surgery yesterday (Tuesday) to assess the extent of the damage.

The Hammers are still waiting to be informed of the seriousness of the injury, but it is clear that he will be out for some considerable time and that his loan spell at West Ham is now over.

The former Arsenal and Blackburn midfielder made five appearances in claret and blue during his short spell at the club.

There was better news regarding the fitness of Matt Taylor ahead of Saturday’s home league clash with Blackpool. He is back in training and hopeful of being fit in time to take his place on the left hand side of the West Ham midfield after missing the last two games with injury.

Joey O’Brien may well miss the game with a hamstring strain, which could mean Julien Faubert retaining his place at right back with Freddie Sears or Jack Collison replacing Bentley on the right hand side.

Mark Noble is fit again may struggle to win his place back ahead of Papa Bouba Diop, while Guy Demel is only considered fit enough for a possible place on the bench.