Andy Carroll has been in training all week and is said to be inline to make his return against Chelsea.  Fortunately the groin strain that he had sustained has eased and this has enabled him to return to training.  Whilst nursing the groin strain he picked up another more obscure injury which further delayed his return to training both of which he appears to be over.

There has been strong reports in the press linking the big forward with moves to China.  There was truth in this and the club did receive interest from the new super powers but the club decided that they didn’t want to sell him at that point.  The factors behind this decision was that at the time he was in great form and that there was no other option that could come in and replace him.  It is thought that these clubs could make a return move for the player in the summer and that these offers would be considered.  The club very much hope that Carroll can keep fit until the season and continue the form that he was in before the injury.  Everyone at West Ham knows how good he is on his day but unfortunately injuries mean that he cannot be relied upon.  A further decision will be made.