It is another set back for the former Chelsea forward after he had only recently recovered from injury to step back into the Hammers' line-up.
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has been ruled out for six weeks with a groin injury."Fortunately, he won't need an operation," West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola told the club website.The 25-year-old only played for 20 minutes as a substitute in England's home friendly against Slovakia before picking up the injuryThe Hammers have blocked more shots (161) than any other side in the top flight.
Sunderland have only scored more than once in a game in one of their last 12 Premier League games.
"It's just a problem in between the muscle and the tendon in his groin so he doesn't need an operation."