Bilic to have talks on Carroll’s injury record
But his current injury issue may have its roots in the return game against Arsenal when it is believed the medical staff wanted the player to be rested for a further week.
Bilic said: “I don’t like to moan but I would be very disappointed if he is not involved in our next game.”
And in a highly significant comment the manager added: ” We will talk about his injury record after the season.”
He explained: “It looked at one stage of the season that he was okay. It was no coincidence that in that period we won six of nine. And then suddenly you are without him.”
Carroll has been troubled by a groin problem since the middle of March when after playing against Leicester City he was sidelined until the away game at the Emirates on April 5 but has been missing again since making just one more one more appearance – against Sunderland in the 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Bilic’s frustration in being regularly without a real spearhead to the attack may have led him to bring Carroll back ahead of schedule against Arsenal which may since have backfired as might have been the case with Michael Antonio.