LONDON (AFP) - West Ham's 6.1-million-pound signing Julien Faubert has been ruled out of action for six months after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

The 23-year-old French midfielder, who has just signed from Bordeaux, suffered the injury during Tuesday's pre-season match against Czech club Sigma Olomouc and has flown to Strasbourg to undergo surgery.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley said: "It's a devastating blow for everyone, especially Julien. He had fitted in so well and was showing all the attributes needed to be a success in the Premiership.

"Hopefully we will see him back in action around Christmas time, but the main thing is that he follows his rehabilitation programme and only returns when he is 100 percent ready."