---
title: "Andy Carroll to return for Watford clash"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2017/02/13/andy-carroll-return-watford-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2017-02-13T12:38:27Z"
modified: "2017-02-13T12:38:27Z"
---

# Andy Carroll to return for Watford clash

Despite 90 minutes of controlled and composed football, thoroughly outplaying the opposition (no, I’m not bitter), West Ham could only come away with a point last time out against the Baggies thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from Gareth McAuley.

The Hammers were forced to play the game without their most in-form player in Andy Carroll who missed out with an ongoing groin injury.

Carroll picked up the knock during the 3-1 win against Middlesbrough and played through it during the defeat to Manchester City and the win over Southampton but was left out as a precaution against the Baggies.

The injury didn’t stop Carroll finding the net as he bagged a brace against ‘Boro as well as the Hammers’ opening goal in a 3-1 triumph over the Saints.

With the knowledge that West Ham now have a two week break before their trip to Vicarage Road to take on Watford, plus the week of reduced training and rest having missed the Baggies game, the decision was made to pull Carroll out of the squad in order to give him several weeks of rest and recovery so he’s firing fit for the game against Watford.

> Twitter: I am very confident that Andy Carroll will be fit for the next game against Watford. dg https://t.co/YwM5vkTz8X (@davidgold)

Carroll will be travelling with the first-team squad to Dubai this week for a mini-break and some warm weather training and David Gold believes Carroll will be back in action against Watford.

West Ham dropped to 10th in the Premier League table following their draw against West Brom along with results elsewhere but can consolidate their place in the top half with a win over the Hornets in a fortnight’s time.