WEST Ham's injury crisis is now at a "chronic stage", according to boss Alan Curbishley.

The Irons travelled with just 17 fit first teamers to Sunderland on Saturday and then saw Carlton Cole (foot), John Pantsil (consussion), and Freddie Ljungberg and George McCartney (both hamstring), all forced off as they finished the game with ten men. It all proved too much as Andy Reid popped up in the sixth minute of injury time to score a late Black Cats winner.

As many as 15 players could now be on the treatment table for Tuesday night's Premier League clash with Portsmouth at Upton Park.

Although it has been a similar theme all season for the east Londoners, Curbishley reckons the situation has really starting to take its toll on his squad.

"We are completely stretched to the limit now," he said.

"As I said all season, it has probably made our squad stronger as these boys have played every game, week-in, week-out or they are returning from injury and having to get fit in the first team.

"It's been very difficult for us. They have done fantastically well for us, but it looked like we were a little bit tired."

And the situation doesn't look to be getting any better.

Speaking after the game, Curbishley confirmed that wingers Matty Etherington and Julien Faubert are unlikely to feature again this season - with groin and calf injuries respectively - with a decision being taken to get them in shape for pre-season.

That, added to an injury list already boasting the likes of Danny Gabbidon, James Collins, Calum Davenport, Nigel Quashie, Lee Bowyer, Kieron Dyer, Bobby Zamora and Craig Bellamy, has left the Hammers squad down to the bare bones.

"I don't think we'll see any of the players who were already out again this season," observed Curbishley.

"I think it's got to a chronic stage with us. I did see a list in one of the papers and it's frightening - we've got another team out there."

Curbishley also bemoaned the midweek internationals which he believes played a part in his side's defeat at the Stadium of Light.

Eight of the Hammers squad were away representing their respective countries just days before the game and the Irons chief said: "Sometimes I do wonder, when it comes round to the run in with massive games coming up and international friendlies are about.

"But we know they're there when we come into it. Obviously I was a bit disappointed that a lot of my players went off this week.

"I've not been in a position to rest anybody and it looks as if it'll be that way for the rest of the season."

However, Matty Upson - who has been out for four games with a calf injury - and youngster Freddie Sears - who missed the trip to Sunderland with a groin problem - could both be back to face Pompey.

The door could also be open for promising youngsters James Tomkins and Jack Collison to be heavily involved in the remaining six fixtures.

"I'm in a fortunate position where they can learn without it being so vital, if you like," said Curbishley.

"But we've got a bit of a break - it's ten days before we play again so let's see what we've got for the Portsmouth game.

"We've got four out of six at home now and we need to put some wins on the board."