West Ham United forward Andy Carroll has stepped up his recovery following his knee surgery in February as he nears a return to first team action.
Carroll suffered a knee ligament injury during the Hammers’ scoreless draw against Southampton at St. Mary’s in February which was operated upon. Following the first stage of the recuperation process, which involved the striker keeping his knee immobilised, he is now moving without crutches and the brace over the operated knee has been removed.
The 26-year-old enjoyed good form early in the season and his five league goals in his 14 appearances prior to his injury helped Sam Allardyce’s side challenge for a spot among the European places.
But his injury coincided with a loss of form for the Hammers as they went without a win in their seven consecutive league outings prior to their win over relegation threatened Sunderland on 21st March.
The news of Carroll’s recovery will come as good news for Upton Park faithful, although his further participation this season remains unlikely.
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“I’m feeling alright”, he told his club website.
“It’s a lot better, getting off the crutches, out of the brace and being able to move more on the bike and do some work in the pool.
“It’s good to come in to work at the training ground and see the lads too.
“If you’re working away from the club you might not see them for a while, but it’s nice to come in in the mornings and have breakfast and lunch with them.
“I couldn’t move my leg for a month or so after the operation. I was at 90 degrees and I couldn’t really do any more, but doing work where I can move now is good.
“Last week was the first time I went in the pool and there’ll be a lot more new stuff to come as well.”
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