What we know about Keiber Lamadrid's injury as West Ham mystery cleared up
Keiber Lamadrid has been a topic of discussion for West Ham United fans this year.
The Hammers initially signed the left-winger on loan from Venezuelan side Deportivo La Guaira in the January transfer window.
The move confused some supporters from the get-go, particularly because of where the Hammers were in the Premier League at the time.
Lamadrid then went on to make just one appearance for the Irons, making it an even more questionable decision to sign him permanently this summer.
Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that the 22-year-old will not be available for the game against Queens Park Rangers at the London Stadium this Friday.
The update has only sparked more conversation among West Ham fans, but Lamadrid's case may be a lot simpler than it looks.
What has been said about Keiber Lamadrid's injury?
As highlighted on West Ham's official website, Lamadrid has been confirmed as unavailable to face QPR.
Nuno said: "There are always a few little issues and knocks, but the only player who is clearly not available is Lamadrid."
The winger has made just two appearances for the Irons this season, and was last involved in a matchday squad for the 3-2 win over Bolton on 8 September.
He has been out of the squad since the Hammers smashed Wrexham on 11 September, while the last update with specifics around his injury dropped later on in the month.
El Mundo es un Balon's Elias Lopez reported on 19 September that Lamadrid suffered a sprain in his right knee, and from that date, had another three weeks to recover.
West Ham paid £1million to sign Lamadrid permanently, which always seemed odd to some fans considering the other options that Nuno had.
Even if the Venezuelan gets back to full fitness, he will still be behind Edvin Austbo and Manor Solomon in the pecking order.
But when will he be back to fight for his place?
When can West Ham fans expect Lamadrid back in action?
Lamadrid has been absent from West Ham's squad since the 6-0 win over Wrexham, and will not feature against QPR.
That said, he has been out for roughly a month.
A grade 1 knee sprain typically leaves a player out for at least two weeks, with a maximum of four weeks on the sidelines.
Lamadrid is set to surpass the maximum time frame for a Grade 1 knee sprain; therefore, it appears he has been dealing with a partial ligament tear.
A grade 2 knee strain can leave a player injured anywhere from one to two months.
Technically, the earliest West Ham could see Lamadrid back on the bench is for the game against Lincoln on Wednesday, but Nuno's comments don't sound very convincing.
If it is the worst end of a grade 2 strain, then Lamadrid may be out even until after the next international break.