Slaven Bilic: 'Andy Carroll could return later this month'

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that Andy Carroll could be in contention for a spot in his squad before the end of the month.

A knee ligament problem has kept the striker out of action for the last six months, and an injury to fellow forward Enner Valencia has forced the Hammers to agree a loan deal for Atletico Madrid's Raul Jimenez.

However, Bilic claims that Carroll may be available for the meeting with Liverpool at Anfield on August 29.

"Carroll will be joining the squad, in terms of training with the team, very soon," the Croatian told reporters.

"How soon? I ask the same simple question of our physio and medical department and it's hard for them to predict, but the target is the fourth or fifth game against Liverpool or Newcastle.

"It's now a matter of bringing him up to speed without taking any risks to gain full fitness, but he is injury-free."

Injuries restricted Carroll to just 16 appearances in all competitions last season.