Dean Ashton's playing career is in the balance amid fresh speculation he is fighting a losing battle against a chronic ankle injury.

A report yesterday suggested the West Ham striker, who has hardly played in the last year, has already been forced to retire following recurring problems with the ankle he broke in a collision with Shaun Wright-Phillips while training with the England squad in 2006.

Ashton has undergone three operations on the ankle and another has been considered. He has spent just one day at the training ground this season but continues to do remedial and rehabilitation work with former Hammers' physiotherapist John Green.

It is understood there are serious concerns over the future of Ashton as his ankle may have suffered some degeneration following the injury and that it may not withstand the rigours of regular Premier League football.

Despite the concerns, Gianfranco Zola today denied the 25-year-old had already quit.

The West Ham manager said: "I am hoping I can have him in my team. Until they tell me something different, I am hopeful."