West Ham striker Andy Carroll has undergone ankle surgery in Baltimore, USA, after suffering ligament damage during the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand. The 25-year-old posted a selfie from his hospital bed ahead of the procedure, which took place on Friday.
Carroll initially appeared to have twisted his ankle during the tour, but scans later revealed the more serious ligament damage requiring surgical intervention. This latest injury adds to a long list of setbacks that have plagued his time at West Ham since his permanent move from Liverpool.
The England international will now miss the start of the season for the second consecutive year, a blow for manager Sam Allardyce. Hammers co-owner David Gold sent a message of support via Twitter, but the club may need to enter the transfer market for another striker following the arrival of Mauro Zarate earlier this summer.
Carroll's luck continues to elude him, but West Ham fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery to prove he is not an injury flop.
