Benayoun's future to be decided in January

Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun's future at the club will be resolved next month.

The Israel international moved from Stamford Bridge to West Ham on loan on the final day of the summer transfer window but has suffered injury problems.

Benayoun has not featured for Sam Allardyce's side since November 11 and is back at Chelsea receiving treatment on a knee injury.

Fans' favourite Benayoun is open to staying at Upton Park permanently and Allardyce will address the situation next month.

Chelsea inserted a recall clause in Benayoun's West Ham contract when they loaned him in
August, allowing him to return in January.

Rafael Benitez, having managed the 32-year-old at Liverpool, could be keen to have him back at Stamford Bridge.

Allardyce, meanwhile, is weighing up whether to sign Benayoun permanently and he said: "Our problem with Yossi is to try and get him fit.

"That's our big problem. He broke down in training last week, we thought he'd be ok and at the moment he's back with Chelsea.

"We would make that decision (to sign him) in January because it is stipulated in the loan agreement."