Bilic: Carroll has a chance to play against Watford

After a two-week break from the Premier League, West Ham are putting in their final preparations for Saturday’s trip to Vicarage Road to take on Watford, but they could have to do it with one of their most in-form performers.

Speaking to the media this morning, Slaven Bilic confirmed that Andy Carroll hasn’t trained much recently and they’ll give him a runout today at Rush Green before making a final decision on his availability.

Twitter: SB: “I was expecting @AndyTCarroll to train in Dubai but it is a bit slower than we expected. He will try to run today. (@WestHamUtd)

The first-team squad and staff enjoyed a mini-break in Dubai in the last week to undergo some warm weather training but Bilic confirms that Carroll has recovered slower than expected from his slight groin issue and he may have a chance to play this weekend.

“I was expecting Andy Carroll to train in Dubai but it is a bit slower than we expected. He will try and run today.

Twitter: SB: “Maybe he has a chance to be in the squad for the @WatfordFC game on Saturday. (@WestHamUtd)

“Maybe he has a chance to be in the squad for the Watford game on Saturday.”

Carroll played through the knock during his last three appearances against Middlesbrough, Manchester City and Southampton but he was left out for the 2-2 draw with West Brom last time out as a precaution.

Twitter: SB: “This is not a big injury. He has been training hard in the gym and he is looking after himself. (@WestHamUtd)

“This is not a big injury. He has been training hard in the gym and he is looking after himself.”

If Carroll is a no-go, then expect Michail Antonio to continue as a makeshift No.9 for the Hammers, while Andre Ayew has trained all week and will also be in contention to start.