The West Ham United forward needs to prove his fitness and go on a run of form.
For some West Ham United fans, the January transfer window cannot come soon enough, with the Hammers struggling for the goals and the form needed to ensure they are not fighting a relegation battle in 2017.
However, the return of striker Andy Carroll at least offers them some hope that the goals will return, especially with the likes of Dimitiri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio pulling the strings behind him.
Carroll returned to the West Ham match day squad for the weekend clash with Arsenal, and while his late strike was a mere consolation in a 5-1 defeat, he will be pleased to finally be back.
Indeed Carroll’s return could have a direct influence on West Ham manager Slaven Bilic’s transfer plans.
With Diafra Sakho out injured and Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri failing to live up to expectations, Bilic will be desperate for Carroll to stay fit.
If he and Ashley Fletcher start performing to their full potential, it could see West Ham focus on other areas of their squad rather than up front.
But on the flipside, if Carroll’s injury curse strikes again in the coming weeks, January will be all about a striker hunt.
There is no doubt that when he is in top form Carroll is a devastating and highly effective forward; the time has come for him to prove that for a prolonged period of time, helping West Ham up the table in the process.
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