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Bellamy frustrated after injury requires month-long layoff

07/08/2008

Craig Bellamy has admitted his frustration after sustaining a hamstring injury that will rule him out of the first month of the season.

The West Ham striker picked up the strain after scoring in his side's 5-3 friendly win against Ipswich Town on Monday and is likely to miss Premier League clashes against Wigan Athletic, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.

He could also be prevented from captaining Wales against Azerbaijan and Russia in their opening World Cup 2010 qualifiers.

"It's gutting for me not to be able to start the season, especially as I have had a great pre-season," the 29-year-old said.

"I wanted to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact."

The injury is a blow to the east London side after Bellamy was only able to complete nine games at Upton Park last season, having struggled with abdominal and groin problems.

But the striker stressed: "I have probably had the best pre-season ever and I think I have shown that I proved my point in that I totally recovered from my injury last year and have returned fitter and stronger like I said I would.

"But it won't affect me too much in terms of working through the rehabilitation for this injury and to get back better than before again."

The Football Association of Wales has confirmed that 51-times capped Bellamy will not be included in the national squad for the friendly clash against Georgia on August 20th.

His absence adds to manager John Toshack's woes, with centre-backs James Collins and Danny Gabbidon, also West Ham players, both struggling for fitness.