West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has revealed his sadness at losing club record signing Andy Carroll for four months.
The £15million hitman, who has endured an injury-plagued stint at Upton Park since turning his loan arrangement into a permanent deal a year ago, has torn the ligaments in his left ankle during a training session.
He was initially ruled out of the Hammers’ pre-season tour of New Zealand as a precaution, but the prognosis is worse than the club anticipated.
Gold said on Twitter: “Good luck Andy. I know you will come back fitter and stronger, all West Ham fans wish you a speedy recovery.
“Very saddened for him and for us but hope he comes back stronger.
“It’s disappointing to lose Andy but I’m still optimistic.”
The former Newcastle United talisman sat out his side’s pre-season friendly against Wellington Phoenix in Auckland on Wednesday and was already due to miss tomorrow’s clash with Sydney FC in Wellington.
Their tour of New Zealand was seen as a perfect opportunity for Carroll to make up for lost time and reach optimum fitness levels, having missed half of last term through ankle trouble.
West Ham hope to provide more competition for places up front by completing the signature of Pachuca forward Enner Valencia in the coming days, once he has been granted a work permit.