ANDY CARROLL’S West Ham career looks to be over after the striker underwent surgery on his ankle.
The former Newcastle and Liverpool man, 30, is out of contract this summer and it is understood the Hammers are not prepared to offer an extension.
Reuters
Carroll suffered a recurrence of his ankle problems last month and, as reported by the Mail, he took the decision to get the work done to try and solve his long-term struggles.
But that surgery means he is expected to be out of action until the end of the season, which is now just five weeks away.
The Englishman has made just 14 appearances in all competitions this season, netting one goal.
He has completed the full 90 minutes once when he captained the Irons at Manchester City in February.
But that game at the Etihad looks as though it could well be his 142nd and last appearance for the Hammers.
PLAGUED
Carroll moved to West Ham in 2012 – initially on loan before making the switch permanent the following year – and has scored 34 goals for the club.
But his time at Upton Park and the London Stadium has been plagued with various injuries, including to his ankle, knee and groin.
In fact, he has failed to start more than 15 games in each of the last six seasons.
So with his six-year contract coming to an end, terrible injury record and reported £80,000-per-week wages, it is not totally surprising that Carroll may well be looking for a new club come the summer.
If that is the case, the nine-cap England international will be desperate to get back to full fitness as soon as possible so he can prove himself to a potential suitor.
West Ham have six games left this season – and all six look incredibly tough on paper.
They head to Chelsea tonight and Manchester United on Saturday before welcoming in-form Leicester to East London.
It is then a trip the new Spurs stadium, a home game against relegation-threatened Southampton before the Hammers go to FA Cup finalists Watford on the final day of the campaign.
AP:Associated Press
