West Ham have been handed a blow as Andy Carroll will miss the start of the season as he is set to undergo surgery on an ankle problem he picked up in training.
Going under the knife tomorrow morning and absolutely devastated to be missing the start of the season!! pic.twitter.com/kTAYuF0YGB
- Andy Carroll (@AndyTCarroll) July 24, 2014
Carroll, 25, was already going to miss out on West Ham's preseason tour of New Zealand. The club stated last week: "After assessment by the club's medical experts, it was decided to let the England international rest for both remaining games and receive intensive treatment to ensure he is fit for the start of the season. It should be clear that the affected area is not in any way associated with the previous injury he successfully overcame towards the end of last season."
A heel problem ruled the striker out of the first half of last campaign, and he has struggled to maintain his fitness and form in recent seasons.
West Ham co-owner David Gold later confirmed that it would be another four months before Carroll would be back in action.
I'm sorry to inform you that AC has torn ankle ligaments and will have an operation tomorrow. Andy will be back in about 4 months. dg
- David Gold (@davidgold) July 24, 2014
The news will come as a major blow to Hammers' boss Sam Allardyce as he looks to improve on the 13th placed Barclays Premier League finish in the last campaign.
West Ham face Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC as they prepare for their opening Premier League fixture at home to Tottenham on August 16.