Freddie Sears has returned to West Ham United Football Club.

The 20-year-old striker was due to spend the entire season at Championship side Crystal Palace, but Gianfranco Zola has recalled him back to his Upton Park squad.

The Hammers, struggling at the wrong end of the table as we head into 2010, need some extra firepower in their bid to beat the drop and the Italian will hope Sears can help out.

Leading scorer Carlton Cole is expected back at the end of January, whilst Luis Boa Morte and Zavon Hines are also sidelines, and Dean Ashton has been forced to retire.

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