West Ham striker Andy Carroll has described his return to training as a “fantastic feeling”.
The former Liverpool man has failed to make a single appearance for the Hammers this season, having suffered an ankle injury during a pre-season tour of New Zealand.
However, the England international is now back in training and is eager to return tot he club’s first team plans.
“It’s unbelievable,” he told the club’s official website. “I’ve been out for so long that to be back training with the lads again is a fantastic feeling.
“It has been a difficult few months, being in a dark gym by myself training every day.
“Seeing the lads go out and having the banter and not being as much a part of it that you want to be [is hard], but it’s getting closer now and it feels a lot better.
“Just putting the boots on again for the first time is a real lift. That’s what you’re a footballer for, to go out on the grass and play football.
“That’s where I am now and hopefully I’ll be back in the squad soon.”