MARK Noble could miss the rest of the season with a hernia problem, it has emerged.

Noble was stretchered off during last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The full extent of the 23-year-old midfielder’s injury has yet to be fully assessed, though it is feared to be a hernia.

Noble is unlikely to face Manchester City this weekend, as a result.

Noble’s absence is another blow for West Ham in their fight for survival, with Scott Parker and Gary O’Neil also sidelined.