The foot injury that has delayed Andy Carroll's return to action could reportedly keep him out of action until the end of the season.

The England international, who is yet to turn out for West Ham United this season because of an unrelated complaint to the same foot, suffered the setback during a training session yesterday.

He was seen leaving West Ham's Chadwell Heath base on crutches amid fears that he has ruptured his Achilles, according to the Daily Star.

Carroll, 24, spent last season on loan at Upton Park from Liverpool, before making the move a permanent one earlier this summer in a deal believed to be worth around £15m.

The Hammers reacted to the loss of Carroll's services earlier today by signing former Fulham frontman Mladen Petric on a free transfer.