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Carroll could make shock return against Man United

Andy Carroll is in line for a shock return for West Ham's crunch trip to Manchester United tomorrow morning (Singapore time).

The striker resumed training only this week following his latest injury lay-off, a three-month absence with a knee problem.

But manager Slaven Bilic is considering including the 27-year-old in his squad at Old Trafford as he bids to turn around their stuttering season.

"He's been training with us for three days," said Bilic.

"He came back after a long injury and he's very close. He could be in the squad.

"We're going to see, because we are not talking about two weeks of training to which we can say definitely. It has been this week, so we'll see."

Carroll's West Ham career as been one constant injury battle after another and he has missed 83 games since he joined permanently for £15 million ($27) from Liverpool in 2013.

But when fit Bilic knows he has a potent attacking weapon and one who could help haul the Hammers up the table following their poor start to the campaign.

"Last year, before he got injured, when he was fit he made an impact on a game, no matter whom he played against," said Bilic.

"It's very hard to play against him. The things he is giving us are great. But we've been talking about this since I came to West Ham.

"It's a shame because you don't see it coming, only when you look at his record on paper. You don't see in training and in games that he has got problems.

"But, unfortunately, it has happened a few times."

Bilic can also welcome back skipper Mark Noble from suspension, but defender Winston Reid serves a one-match ban following his red card at Tottenham last weekend. - PA Sport.

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