Newcastle knew the risks with Carroll, as Bruce provides frustrating injury update

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has said that striker Andy Carroll has a mystery injury after volleying a ball in training.

The 31-year-old has been missing for the past few weeks with a supposed rib problem, which later became a hip issue.

(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

The latest is that the club don’t actually know the true nature of his knock.

Speaking to the press ahead of the Arsenal game this weekend, which Carroll will miss, Bruce said (Daily Mail): “The frustration for us all is that, just as we thought we were getting Andy back with those seven games, unfortunately he volleyed a ball in training and hasn’t been the same.

“We haven’t been able to get a diagnosis for him really, which is a frustration. I don’t think it’s actually the hip itself.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

“The big problem for us is that Andy is still not right. That’s a concern going forward. We’re not putting a timescale on it, that’s just the way it is.”

The development comes just a day after reports had claimed Bruce wanted Carroll to get himself a new deal at St. James’ Park.

In total this season, the ex-West Ham United and Liverpool man has made just 14 appearances due to fitness issues.

TBR’s view – Newcastle knew the risks

Given Carroll’s wretched history with injuries, Newcastle knew exactly what they were getting themselves in form.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Fortunately they managed to get the player on a pay-as-you-play deal, which was sensible.

It is a frustration though, given the struggles of Joelinton, that Carroll can’t be counted on to provide competition.

Hopefully for Magpies fans, Carroll can shake off his latest problem and help the club ensure they don’t get dragged into a relegation scrap.