The absence of our record signing and top earner Andy Carroll from the first two pre-season friendlies has not gone unnoticed by Hammers fans.
Although the the 25 year striker took part in the training camp at Evian, rumours persist about his general fitness levels or a possible return of an injury.
West Ham’s official twitter has made a point to publish photos of Andy Carroll together with his mate Kevin Nolan boarding the flight at Heathrow airport last Thursday suggesting he will take part in the pre season friendlies in New Zealand.
However, Hammers fans out in New Zealand raised alarm bells by saying Andy Carroll could manage just five minutes of training at the open training session today at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland before returning down the tunnel.
A source close to the club later dismissed speculation of an injury saying Carroll trained fully on Sunday and was on the excercise bike in the tunnel on the Monday training session. The source confirmed Carroll will play in both games out in New Zealand. We were told he is just a bit behind in the others with regards to his fitness so he has his own programme.
If that is true he was only training for 5 minutes that would not be down to simple lack of fitness would it as more not less training would be required. This would suggest an injury problem be it the same or a different one that yes could be the result previously of a certain lack of fitness. Either way this is all rather worrying if these reports pan out.
Outstanding observation
Story updated, source close to the club dismisses injury claims
Not so sure about 5 minutes – he warmed up withe the squad, participated in all the drills, in two sessions of ” one touch” training and one session of full on team vs team training which was very willing with tackles flying but sat out the next session. Started at 11.15 and I left at 12.30 so a bit overan hours work. Would have to say that at times he looked to be going at 80%. Most impressive players were Vaz Te & Noble.