Stewart Downing out for at least two weeks?

West Ham United winger Stewart Downing could be out of action until the New Year.

The 29-year-old limped off at half time during Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Liverpool after being injured by a robust challenge from Reds full-back Jon Flanagan.

According to the Daily Mail, Downing required 12 stitches to an Achilles heel wound following the trip to Anfield.

The newspaper also claims that the former England international has been ruled out for at least two weeks.

If that is the case, then he will definitely miss the Hammers' games against Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United later this month.

Downing has made 15 first-team appearances for West Ham this season. He has yet to score a goal.