Jose Fonte has projected a defiant message after he began his recovery from a foot injury.
The former Southampton captain ruled himself out until the New Year after limping off against Crystal Palace last month and has revealed that it will be at least six weeks until he’s able to begin a return to fitness.
Despite struggling after his January move to London Stadium last season, the Euro 2016 winner has arguably been the Hammers’ best defender this season, and will be missed by new manager David Moyes.
However, speaking to the club’s official website Fonte insisted he is not afraid of working hard and will come back ‘stronger and fresher’.
"Obviously I'm disappointed and frustrated because it was an unnecessary tackle (which caused the injury),” he said.
"That's part of football and now it's time to focus on returning after the surgery on Monday and having a good recovery so I can be back as soon as possible.
"Now I've had the surgery, I will have to wear a cast for two weeks, then a boot for two weeks and finally a brace for two weeks, so that's six weeks. Then after that it's getting back my fitness levels.
"I'm not scared of working hard, so I'll put the hard work in. We have great physios and great doctors at the club, so we'll be working hard together to be back stronger and fresher."
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