Hammers' Ashton has ankle surgery

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LONDON, England -- West Ham striker Dean Ashton will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on the ankle injury that has kept him out of action since August.

The 23-year-old Ashton, who scored six goals in 16 games last season, had hoped to return to help the Hammers in their attempt to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

West Ham are 19th in the 20-team league, eight points from escaping the relegation zone.

Ashton will not be able to resume running for six weeks, at which time West Ham will have just two league games left.

"We have left no stone unturned in our attempt to get Dean back," West Ham physiotherapist Steve Allen said.

"It was clear that he had gone as far as he could with the methods that had been using, and the only option was to have another look at the injury site."

Only Manchester City and last-place Watford have scored fewer Premier League goals than the 23 West Ham have managed this season.

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