WEST HAM’S squad will be stretched to the limit once again for the visit of Sunderland on Saturday as an injury crisis threatens to derail their quest for a Europa League place.

Striker Carlton Cole is a major doubt for the Hammers ahead of the weekend’s crucial game with the Black Cats, after he limped out of England’s friendly match against Slovakia last week with a suspected groin injury.

A lack of firepower has been a prevalent feature of West Ham’s last two Premier League games, with the various strike partnerships experimented with by Gianfranco Zola all failing to to deliver when the chips were down.

The pairing of youngster Freddie Sears and Italian veteran forward David Di Michele in attack against West Brom yielded few chances, as the Irons struggled to breach the league’s leakiest defence.

The omens were better against Blackburn Rovers two weeks ago, as Zola employed a three-pronged attack, comprised of Luis Boa Morte, Di Michele and misfit Diego Tristan.

After plenty of encouraging forward forays in the first half, the team still had to rely on a terrific strike from midfielder Mark Noble on his 100th appearance for the club to break the deadlock.

The team were preparing to welcome back Cole from a two-game suspension against Sunderland, but his likely absence will force Zola into another re-think.

Add that to long-term injury victims Jack Collison, Valon Behrami, Dean Ashton and Danny Gabbidon and the Italian maestro may be tempted to pull on the boots once again in an attempt to breathe some creativity into a team dominated by grafters.

In contrast to the misfiring frontline, the defensive unit have coped admirably with a series of injuries, with James Tomkins and Lucas Neill stepping in to fill the void left by James Collins and Matthew Upson in recent weeks. And with the first-choice centre-backs now fighting fit, that will be one much-needed fillip for Zola.

The former Chelsea star can now call upon Kieron Dyer, who has returned to action after a calf injury kept him out for two months.

However, he will be reluctant to throw him in at the deep end and risk losing him for the crucial season run-in.

Wigan Athletic have usurped West Ham into seventh – the final Europa League spot – while the likes of Fulham, Manchester City and Tottenham are also breathing heavily down their necks, meaning the team can ill-afford any slip-ups as they approach the last few hurdles.

It is in these remaining eight games that Zola will earn his corn.