West Ham United right back John Paintsil is a doubt for the London side's Uefa Cup clash with Palermo after damaging his knee ligaments.

The Ghanaian international, who moved to Upton Park after the World Cup finals, picked up the problem in Saturday's Premiership defeat to Liverpool.

Hammers boss Alan Pardew is now awaiting further news regarding the injury, with his side due to face Aston Villa in The Premiership on September 10 before hosting Serie A side Palermo four days later.

"It's a big blow to us because we've just got John settled in really well. He will be out for a bit," Pardew told the Stratford Guardian.

"He has come into the team and has made a really good impression, not only for me, but everyone.

"He has played his part in our good start to the season and it's another knock for us, especially following the injuries to Deano (Ashton) and the likes of Matty Etherington before the campaign started."

Paintsil has started two games since his £1 million move from Israeli club Hapoel Tel-Aviv, but Pardew has fellow summer signing Tyrone Mears available as a ready made replacement for the West African talent.