Cole out for six weeks

Cole was carrying the injury before joining up with Fabio Capello's squad and had to be taken off at Wembley during the friendly win over Slovakia on Saturday.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola said: "He will not need an operation but there is a problem between the muscle and the tendon in his groin. He will be out for six weeks."

The schedule for Cole's return would see him play in the final three matches of the Barclays Premier League season, with the club in the hunt for a place in the Europa League, but the former Chelsea forward would be well short of match fitness.

"Fortunately he won't need an operation, it is a problem between the muscle and tendon in the groin," Zola added. "He should be available in six weeks."

Adding to Zola's problems ahead of this weekend's clash against Sunderland is Radoslav Kovac picking up a knock and Scott Parker playing recently despite a groin problem.

"It's frustrating because they are important players for us and it is a crucial point of the season for us. But these situation make me think more and other players get more responsibility," Zola said.

"It is a problem that will make everyone better if we treat it in the right way."

Zola has welcomed Alan Shearer to top-flight management following his appointment as caretaker boss at Newcastle - and his only advice is that the former England striker should keep faith in his football principles.

"It is very positive when you have players that have given so much to the game and are still involved," Zola said.