A late Hitzlsperger header rescued a 1-1 draw for bottom-dwelling West Ham on Saturday against Blackburn.

It's a nail-biting time for the Hammers, who have two winnable games left against Wigan and Sunderland as they fight for their lives in the Premiership.

Avram Grant confirmed a thigh injury will be keeping Thomas Hitzlsperger out until February. Sky Sports.

The loss of Hitzlsperger is a huge blow to the Hammers, who are battling to stay out of the bottom of the BPL standings. Hitzlsperger who has yet to lace up the boots for the Hammers, was acquired in a transfer with Lazio back in June. Although critics feel the German midfielder is injury prone and should be excused from the club, Avram Grant believe Hitzlsperger will be integral to the Hammers turn around.

Hitzlsperger has agreed to join West Ham on July 1, once his contract with Lazio expires.

Hitzlsperger played for Aston Villa before. He's used to the English style of play, and he'll step in and be one of the more talented players on a thin West Ham roster.

The German international midfield has moved from Stuttgart to Lazio in his quest to gain a spot on Germany's team in South Africa, Goal.com reports.

This is a good signing for Lazio.