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Hull City's injury problems have been exacerbated after it was confirmed that James Chester needs an operation.

The Wales cap, 25, came off in Sunday's 3-0 loss at West Ham after dislocating a shoulder in an aerial challenge with compatriot James Collins.

A second defender, Alex Bruce, 30, was substituted with a thigh injury.

Manager Steve Bruce said his son is "touch and go" for Newcastle's visit on 31 January - a game that eight other Hull players could also miss.

Chester, who is seeing a specialist on Tuesday, is likely to be out for up to 10 weeks, the club said.

As well as Chester, Abel Hernandez, Nikica Jelavic, Liam Rosenior, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Diame, Gaston Ramirez and Robert Snodgrass are all unlikely to be fit.

Chester's injury could also make him a doubt for Wales' 2015 European qualifier against Israel in March.

"It's all hands to the pump," said manager Bruce, who confirmed he is seeking one new signing before the transfer window closes.

Defeat at Upton Park was Hull's third in a row and their sixth in eight matches.

After an opening half in which Sone Aluko and Ahmed Elmohamady missed fine chances, the visitors collapsed after the interval.

Andy Carroll, Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing each scored as Hull opted to use defender Harry Maguire in attack alongside winger Aluko.

"We've got seven or eight big players missing and in the second half it did show," Bruce said.

"We gifted West Ham their opportunities. It's become a recurring them but we can't keep bleating on about it, we've got to roll up our sleeves."