Andy Carroll has targeted a return from injury for West Ham against old club Liverpool at the end of August.

Carroll has been beset by injury problems since he left Anfield for Upton Park, initially on loan, in 2012 and has managed just 54 appearances in the past three seasons, scoring 14 goals during that period.

He suffered a serious knee injury in February and failed to appear again after that last season but the former Newcastle frontman is now close to full fitness and hopes to be back in action against another one of his old clubs on August 29 when the Hammers go to Anfield.

He said: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on this pitch, but it’s not long to go now and I’m looking forward to being back.

“I’ve been working hard and I’m nearly back fit so it’s all positive.
As the gaffer has said, by the end of the month I hope to be back.”

Carroll’s imminent return to action will be a boost to boss Slaven Bilic after Enner Valencia was ruled out just before the new Premier League campaign with a knee injury.

The Ecuador international is expected to be out until December so Carroll’s return will be timely although he will still face competition from Diafra Sakho, Mauro Zarate and Modibo Maiga for a starting role.

The Hammers, who are priced at 9.00 to be relegated this season, of course got their campaign off to a flyer with a 2-0 win at Arsenal on the opening day and will hope to maintain their early momentum for a sustained push towards the European qualification places.