WEST HAM await the results of Carlton Cole's knee scan with baited breath, as fears of a serious injury begin to mount.

Manager Gianfranco Zola did not rule out the possibility of ligament damage, which could keep the striker out of action for several months.

Cole was involved in a collision with Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen on Saturday. After lengthy treatment he came back on to the field to score a penalty, but was then substituted at half-time with West Ham leading 3-0. The Hammers went on to win the game 5-3.

"It's his right knee. He hit his knee and twisted it a little bit," Zola said afterwards. "If it's ligaments then, yes, it could be a while. Everybody knows how important Carlton is for us."

Reports yesterday suggested Cole could be out for up to four months, ruling him out for the majority of the season, while his chances of a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup in South Africa would also suffer a severe blow.

However, it is hoped that the diagnosis will not be that serious, and a lay-off of around four to five weeks will be recommended.

West Ham are also unlikely to have midfielder Valon Behrami available for three weeks as the Switzerland international is due to have surgery to cure a knee cartilage problem.