Slaven Bilic has revealed that a change in Andy Carroll’s rehab programme has put him line for a return to action on Monday night.
An eight month absence with a knee injury – aggravated by a setback when rolling his ankle while pulling shoes on – looks to finally be at an end.
But the Hammers boss – quoted in The Mirror – said: “Is he in contention? It looks like he is good. We have changed his recovery and rehabilitation a little bit.
“A few times before straight after his injuries when he was ok he would train for a few days and then play straight away.
“However, with the nature of his size and the way he plays – he is not one to avoid tackles or escape challenges, he fights – he would get injured again. It’s psychological as much as anything.
“This time he has completed six weeks of let’s call it ‘pre-season’ and he looks very good in training.
“We are going to see if he selected. But probably.”
How about Carroll ever so slightly adjusting or even changing his playing style and dial down his fighting and combative style ? He is no good to any club or himself as a footballer if he keeps getting those injuries from jumping into every challenge like a mad man. His ankles seem to be not very durable as they are.
Why increase the risk of injuring them ? It’s his last chance really. If he gets another long-term injury this season West Ham will try and cut their losses and other clubs will not be queuing up to sign him. Carroll has had a long time to think about this.
Are all these injuries just bad luck ? Or can Carroll at least try and actively do something to keep the risk of another injury down ?
I would like to see him for a month used as a sub to get match fit and give Sakho a fair shake at keeping his run going,
But I hope he pushes for being first choice and can put at least 3 good years in to repay the club,