TheSportsCampus

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has said that England international Andy Carroll could return to action earlier than expected from his injury, which could be a boost for the side as the on-loan Liverpool striker looks set to be available for the Hammers' match against Arsenal, reveals ESPN.

The powerful striker suffered a hamstring injury on his debut for West Ham United, but could be back much ahead of schedule on the 6th of October against Premier League big guns Arsenal, who come calling at Upton Park.

It was initially suspected that Carroll would be out for six weeks due to his injury against Fulham, and was ruled out for much of October, but it seems a speedy recovery will see him probably face the Gunners, even if not for the full ninety minutes, and Allardyce has to be careful not to rush him into first team action and risk aggravating his injury.

"If we are lucky, there is a chance Andy will be available for the Arsenal game," Allardyce said. However, he stressed upon the fact that Carroll would certainly not be able to play the entire game.

Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool on loan this summer in order to get some first team action, but has been limited due to injury problems. He could be an integral part of West Ham's bid to stay in the Premier League with their long ball and physical approach perfectly suited to his game. The Arsenal center-backs would certainly not relish the prospect on taking on Big Sam's latest group of bullies, and the addition of Carroll to that squad will cause them even more trouble.