West Ham United do not expect to see Andy Carroll in action until mid-October.

The Telegraph says West Ham want to ensure the 26-year-old is fully fit and although there have been suggestions from co-chairman David Gold that he will return in early September the club want him to undergo his own 'pre-season' training schedule to guard against further problems.

The Geordie striker suffered a knee injury in February.

New manager Slaven Bilic has already given Carroll assurances that he will be an important part of his plans.