Andy Carroll injury: West Ham striker admits he's 'devastated' to have suffered another ankle injury that could rule him out for 16 weeks
Carroll missed the start of last season through a similar injury and will undergo surgery in the United States today
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andy Carroll has revealed he is "absolutely devastated" that surgery on an injured ankle will see him miss the start of the season for the second year running.
The 25-year-old England international has featured just 16 times for West Ham since becoming the club's record signing last summer and now faces more time on the sidelines with an ankle problem.
A long-standing heel injury kept Carroll out until January and he scored just twice on his return. Now he will be absent once again.
"Going under the knife tomorrow morning and absolutely devastated to be missing the start of the season!," he tweeted on Thursday evening.
The news will come as a major blow to Hammers boss Sam Allardyce as he looks to improve on the 13th placed Barclays Premier League finish in the last campaign.
Allardyce had already identified the need to add extra firepower to his squad ahead of the new season before Carroll's latest injury nightmare.
Mauro Zarate is already on board and only a work permit application is keeping Ecuador's World Cup star Enner Valencia from joining from Pachuca.
The 59-year-old may now go back into the transfer market for another forward, while questions will be asked as to whether Carroll can ever maintain a level of fitness for a prolonged period of time.
Carroll had travelled with the squad for a pre-season tour of New Zealand but the club decided they would not risk him in either game, with reports now suggesting he could be out for up to four months.
It would be a bitter pill to swallow for the former Newcastle and Liverpool man, who had spoken before his injury about the importance of keeping fit for the forthcoming campaign.
"It's a very important pre-season for me after I had a very bad season last year with injuries," he said upon landing in New Zealand. "It's important I stay fit and do everything right with the medical staff."
Without the injured Carroll in their side West Ham slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Wellington Phoenix in their first tour match - although Allardyce will be boosted by the fact Zarate scored a well-taken consolation.
The Argentina forward will now compete with Carlton Cole for a starting role in Saturday's friendly against Sydney FC, with the club hopeful that Valencia's work permit will be issued by the time they return home.
With Carroll likely to be out for some time, Allardyce may return to the transfer market for another forward to bolster his options ahead of a season-opening derby at home to Tottenham.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments