West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has claimed that Andy Carroll will make his return from injury "shortly".

The striker, who cost the club £15m from Liverpool in the summer, has not featured for the Hammers this season due to a persistent heel problem.

However, Allardyce is confident that the 24-year-old will be available for selection sooner rather than later.

"All the injuries are progressing very well," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "Andy is improving all the time and we expect him to be back among the lads very shortly."

West Ham are back in action on Boxing Day when they host Arsenal in the Premier League.