West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has says club-record signing Andre Ayew could return to action sooner than expected if he is a good healer.

Bilic was handed a major blow on Monday night after Ayew, who only signed from Swansea City last week, lasted just half an hour on his West Ham debut against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after sustaining a thigh injury as he chased down Eden Hazard.

Bilic had hoped Ayew would only be sidelined for a few days but, after the Ghana international underwent a scan on Wednesday, West Ham revealed the winger had suffered a "significant" injury.

The Hammers coach has since confirmed that the club are looking for the best surgeon with Ayew set to be sidelined for about four months.

"It is not good and he needs surgery,” he said

"Four months is a big, big blow for us but he’ll be back."

"If he’s a good healer he can be back before Christmas. We have to cope with it. There’s no point moaning about it."

  -

Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @JoySportsGH. Our hashtag is #JoySports