Andy Carroll
Carroll continues to ramp up his recovery from injury.

West Ham United striker Andy Carroll faces a test of his recovery from injury when club officials visit his rehabilitation camp in Belgium this week.

The England international is out with a foot problem aggravated in training while recovering from a separate heel injury suffered on the final day of the Premier League season.

Carroll's recovery has been assisted by physical therapist Lievan Maesschalck, who has previously worked with Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and the Hammers have set no date regarding his return.

The 24 year old's progress is being assessed on a week-by-week basis but Carroll isn't expected to be included in the England squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Montenegro and Poland or West Ham's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

In a blog published on West Ham's official website, Carroll has updated supporters on his current regime which includes intense gym and pool work. The former Newcastle United forward will be visited by physio Jon Urwin this week for an assessment on his progress.

Carroll became West Ham's record signing in the summer after joining from Liverpool for £15m following a loan spell at Upton Park. He scored seven goals in 22 Premier League starts during an unsettled campaign but his physique is crucial to Sam Allardyce's style of play.

His continued absence throws into serious doubt Carroll's chances of featuring in next year's World Cup, should England qualify. Rickie Lambert is now ahead in the pecking order after two goals in his first three international appearances.

Having not played this season Carroll's injury has forced West Ham to re-sign Carlton Cole on a pay-as-you-play deal after he was released in the summer, while Mladen Petric has been recruited on a six-month contract.

Modibo Maiga began the season as the club's only first-team attacking option and West Ham are in desperate need of Carroll's return with the side having scored just four league goals in six games this season.

Midfielder Kevin Nolan was the only player to reach double figures for West Ham last season while only five sides scored fewer goals in the whole of the last campaign as Allardyce's side finished a respectable 10<sup>th.

Poland