West Ham United have revealed that record signing Andy Carroll has suffered a fresh foot injury, but have insisted that it is not a recurrence of the problem that has kept him sidelined for the new season.
The England international striker cost the Hammers £15m when they bought him from Liverpool in the summer following a loan spell in which he had scored seven Premier League goals in 24 appearances.
However, he is yet to play since arriving permanently at Upton Park due to a heel injury, with manager Sam Allardyce hoping that the 24-year-old would be available for selection in September.
That now looks unlikely after Carroll complained of another foot concern on his first day back in full training with West Ham, who will not schedule a return date until after the forward has undergone a scan.
"West Ham United can confirm that Andy Carroll suffered an injury to his right foot during his return to full training today," read a statement on the club's official website.
"Although it is in the same part of his foot as his previous injury, it is a new injury and therefore there will be no prognosis until he has seen a specialist.
"Whufc.com will provide a further update when the relevant information is available."
Carroll holds the record for the highest transfer fee commanded by an Englishman when he switched from Newcastle United to Liverpool for £35m in 2011.
Joe Fish
