Hammers relief as Bellamy doesn't need 'last resort' op

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The Wales captain has been out of action since October and the club had feared he would need surgery to fix the problem.

However, Curbishley confirmed the 28-year-old has instead been put on a strict training regime to get back to fitness.

"It has now been decided that the op was a last resort," said Curbishley.

"The surgeons have agreed it's not what was needed and that just a lot of hard work was required, which is what he is doing now.

"We've locked him away with the physiotherapist and the fitness coach to work as hard as he can and to try and recover.

"He has got to do this for a couple of weeks as well as all the core fitness work to build up his groin and stomach muscles."