Big two will be covered up for start of season

Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho are  likely to be held back from an taking an active role in the Hammers pre-season games.

The Irons kick off their friendlies against a Werder Bremen development side on Monday evening but the front men are unlikely to be involved in that or the match against Fulham on Thursday evening which represents their first serious pre-season affair.

Although both  strikers are training with the squad and are taking part in all aspects of pre-season,  new head of the medical department Gary Lewin wants to ensure they are both 100 per cent built up in time for the opening game of the season and no risks will be taken.

A training ground source told us that both players were involved, kicking balls and were looking confident and happy as the season approaches.

However, he added: “It would not be a great idea to push them into action until everybody is totally convinced they are back to 100 per cent full strength.”