West Ham striker Andy Carroll out until October after latest injury setback

Hammers record signing will not be ready to return until three months into the new season

Injured West Ham striker Andy Carroll is expected to be out until October (GETTY IMAGES)

West Ham striker Andy Carroll has been hit by a further setback in his battle against injury, and is now not expected to return to first team action until October.

The record signing at Upton Park has been out since suffering a knee problem in February’s goalless draw at Southampton. Club officials had previously thought that his progress would mean a full recovery in time for the new season, but it has now been revealed that he requires further rehabilitation.

Carroll has been blighted by injuries ever since joining the Hammers permanently from Liverpool in a £17.5m move two years ago. He was absent for much of 2013/14 with an Achilles problem, and then suffered a separate ankle complaint in the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand 12 months ago that kept him out of the opening third of last season.

Such fitness troubles have interrupted his international career. After impressing for England at the 2012 European Championships, Carroll has not played for his country since being introduced as a Wembley substitute against San Marino in a World Cup qualifier three years ago.

This latest blow leaves new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic with a shortage of options in attack ahead of a campaign where resources at Upton Park could be stretched, especially if the club fare well in the Europa League.

Following the release of Carlton Cole, the Croatian is currently having to rely on Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho, and it is understood that he is the market for another forward.