Behrami ruled out for Hammers

West Ham will be without Valon Behrami for tomorrow’s trip to Middlesbrough in the Barclays Premier League as the midfielder needs a scan on a calf problem.

Midfielder Scott Parker (calf) is a doubt but defenders Lucas Neill (virus) and James Tomkins (knee) are set for returns following injury, with manager Gianfranco Zola also mulling over including forward Diego Tristan in the squad for the first time as Carlton Cole is suspended.

Left-back Herita Ilunga is also short of fitness and the Hammers will definitely be without longer-term absentees Mark Noble (calf), Dean Ashton (ankle), Kieron Dyer (leg), Jonathan Spector (hip) and Danny Gabbidon (stomach).

Provisional squad: Green, Lastuvka, Walker, Davenport, Upson, Collins, Lopez, Faubert, Bowyer, Mullins, Collison, Etherington, Boa Morte, Sears, Di Michele, Bellamy, Tristan, Neill, Tomkins, Ilunga, Parker.