West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble has vowed to return to action as soon as possible.
The 23-year-old underwent appendix surgery on Monday and is expected to be sidelined for a month.
News of Noble's absence is a blow, considering the Hammers' current league plight, but he is determined to make a swift recovery.
He said in The Sun: "I'm fine. I'm glad it's all over and it was painful.
"But I just want to get back into training as soon as possible and help the team out."
Meanwhile, Switzerland international Valon Behrami has offered his services in a bid to solve the Hammers' injury woes, with Noble joining Thomas Hitzlsperger on the sidelines.
Behrami said: "I am feeling good. I have had some bad luck in the last two years with injuries and it seems I have spent a lot of time in this situation.
"It is normal that my confidence is not so high but I have been working hard and if I keep giving this effort, it will be okay. I am thinking positive.
"It is not always easy but it is great to be back with the team and ready to play again.
"It is very important for me to get back to playing. A lot of things have been written and said. The only place I can prove my commitment is on the pitch and I am here for that.
"West Ham fans are passionate. They are here to see the team getting better and whoever plays, they get behind. If I play and I give 100 per cent, they will be happy. If not, they will let me know and that is right."
