Groundhog Day was 10 days ago, but you’d swear this is a recurring problem for West Ham United striker Andy Carroll. The English striker came down with a knee injury, to the same knee that has persistently been a problem, in the late stages of a scoreless draw at St. Mary’s. Carroll was forced to stay on as West Ham were down to 10 men, but this may have ultimately damaged his ligaments more. According to the Mirror, Carroll potentially faces two months on the trainer’s table with another devastating injury.
More from Premier League
- Manchester City suffer but come away with win over West Ham
- Premier League match preview: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
- Jadon Sancho refutes Erik Ten Hag’s comments
- Arsenal win in added time drama as United suffer last-minute agony
- Rudderless Chelsea lose to Nottingham Forest
Andy Carroll is an interesting story. The striker was boasted as having great potential to be a star not only in the Premier League, but also for the Three Lions. Instead, Carroll has found himself ridiculed due to his over inflated price tag; a result of his potential as a great English talent. Carroll caught on with Newcastle before a huge £35 million transfer saw him join the Reds on Merseyside. After injuries and disappointment in not filling potential, Liverpool were somehow able to offload the troubled forward to West Ham United for around £20 million.
The “troubled” part of Carroll’s title does not come from off field problems; rather it comes to his lack of durability. Since joining West Ham United, the striker has been nothing short of brilliant in front of the goal, especially in the air. The main problem lies in getting and keeping him on the pitch for a prolonged period of time. While with West Ham, including his loan from Liverpool, Carroll has been injured for 408 days entailing 52 matches. Derrick Rose, move over, you have company.
The Top Flight
Andy Carroll seemed to have turned the corner this season when making his return by recording 5 goals and 3 assists in 14 matches across all competitions. His partnerships up front with both Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia put fear into opponents as they had to deal with the speed of Sakho and Valencia along with the physicality of Carroll. Often, Stewart Downing, Aaron Cresswell, and Carl Jenkinson had a large target in the box when making crosses. Unfortunately for them and the side, West Ham will once again be missing Carroll’s presence.
The East London side will look to carry on as they still have aspirations to keep in the hunt for a European spot. These chances are fading and may have finally set adrift with this latest injury. The Hammers are one forward injury away from relying on Carlton Cole. Hopefully, Carroll can recover fast because the Irons have been fun to watch all season.
Next: Will Klinsmann Ditch the USMNT?