West Ham United midfielder Dimitri Payet has admitted that it is a relief that he does not need surgery on his injured ankle.
The Frenchman, who has been influential for the Hammers so far this season, could face up to three months on the sidelines after sustaining the injury in a heavy challenge with Everton's James McCarthy a fortnight ago.
Payet, who signed for West Ham during the summer from Marseille, has said that he is already counting down to his return to the side.
"I am doing well. I am surrounded by very good people which has allowed me to recover and I am keeping my head high. It is a long period but I am looking forward to making a return to action," he told the club's official website.
"Of course it is a big relief for me that I will not need an operation. I speak from experience and having had a couple of operations it is not an easy thing to cope with. It is good news on that front but it doesn't change the time that it will take me to recover.
"I want to get back playing as quickly as I can and perform to the way I have been doing so far this season. It has been a dream for me."
Payet has scored five goals in 12 Premier League appearances this season.
Steven Toplis
