WEST HAM will recall striker Freddie Sears from his loan spell at Crystal Palace to help ease their injury woes.

The Hammers have lost star striker Carlton Cole to a knee injury, and he is not sue to return to action until the new year. Youngster Zavon Hines is also out until January with a knee injury of his own, and Kieron Dyer has a hamstring problem that is keeping him on the sidelines.

Palace boss Neil Warnock confirmed that Sears will return to Upton Park after their game against Swansea on December 28.

“Freddie's here for two more games,” said Warnock. “They (West Ham) have requested that he goes back. I think what with Carlton Cole being out, they need everybody looking at their situation.”