As Andy Carroll returns, why the big man could have a huge role for West Ham

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West Ham United striker Andy Carroll returned to action in a behind-closed-doors mid-season friendly match against Brentford on Thursday.

The former Liverpool and Newcastle United hitman has been working towards a comeback from injury since pre-season, and it appears his return to Premier League action could now be imminent.

Carroll has been out of action nursing an ankle injury, which has kept him sidelined for the whole of 2018/19 so far.

It’s been another period of frustration for the big man, but he is now on course to feature for the Hammers as their schedule starts to get busier over Christmas and the New Year.

His return will be timely, and he can still play an important role for Manuel Pellegrini.

Carroll the ultimate alternative

Carroll may not be everyone’s idea of a top Premier League striker, but he certainly brings unique qualities and in West Ham’s squad there’s no one else like him.

Carroll is a brilliant target man, and can bring other players into play around him.

He is also famously superb in the air.

At the moment, West Ham are a little vulnerable in terms of attacking depth.

Marko Arnautovic is obviously the main man, but should something happen to him then Carroll would make a decent deputy.

The Austria international has an ongoing knee issue which needs to be managed very carefully.

Javier Hernandez has been extremely inconsistent during his time at the club, although he did score against Burnley recently and again against Brentford in the friendly.

Lucas Perez has been disappointing, and so Carroll’s return really could provide that fresh impetus for Pellegrini, in what’s going to be a hectic couple of months.

He has the chance to prove that he still has something to offer and that he shouldn’t be sold.