West Ham United’s latest update on the recovery of injury-plagued striker Andy Carroll has left fans scratching their heads.
West Ham’s Andy Carroll
The Hammers ended a two month wait for a Premier League victory when they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to lift themselves out of the bottom three last time out.
Simone Zaza worked tirelessly as he led the line, particularly after Aaron Cresswell was harshly sent off in the second half.
But it is no coincidence that West Ham’s struggles have come as a result of a lack of striking options with Carroll, Diafra Sakho and new signing Andre Ayew all having been injured so far.
Sicknote: Carroll
The club’s supporters are accustomed to seeing Carroll out injured, the former Liverpool and Newcastle United man having played just 81 games in 4 and a half years in East London.
Supporters were initially told Carroll’s latest injury – suffered in the Europa League qualifying game at Astra in July – would keep him out for between four to six weeks.
So fans were left bemused when the latest update on his recovery on the club’s official website conceded he is still some way off a return, over three months on.
Still no return date for striker
“Andy Carroll is continuing his rehab following the knee injury he suffered in the UEFA Europa League tie in Romania in August,” West Ham’s head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.
“He is working as hard as he can on the pitch and in the gym, making progress.
“Andy has a few bridges to cross before he can join in first team training.”
Since the update, supporters have been divided over the striker’s future, particularly after a video emerged of Carroll reportedly enjoying a pint of beer in a London bar while his side were playing Crystal Palace, as reported by the likes of the Mirror.
Carroll dividing opinion
It follows a club investigation into his behaviour following the team’s much-publicised night out earlier this month.
Some fans are of the opinion Carroll is entitled to do what he wants in his free time.
Others feel a player picking up a reported £90,000 per week in wages should show more dedication to recovering from injury and helping his side.
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