Monday 22 August 2016 13:27, UK
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says it is a "big frustration" to lose forward Andy Carroll to a knee injury.
The 27-year-old England international has been very unfortunate with injuries since joining the Hammers in 2012 and is now facing a few weeks on the sidelines, after picking up a knock during last week's Europa League 1-1 draw with Astra Giurgia.
Carroll joined West Ham on loan initially before completing a permanent move from Liverpool, but a series of injuries have meant that he has only been available for around half the matches during his time with the club.
And Bilic said he would be delighted if he could get the striker back in four to six weeks and then have him available for the rest of the campaign.
"I will sign now the contract if his injury is four weeks or six weeks and, after that, good until the end of the season," said Bilic. "I will take it.
"Andy is Andy. He's dedicated now to training, to everything. It's a big blow for us, a big question mark also, and big frustration with these things that are happening to him.
"The worst situation is when you plan, then you can't count on him. All the time."
The Hammers now find themselves dealing with an early-season injury crisis, Carroll having joined Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini and new signing Andre Ayew on the sidelines.
Bilic's team still managed to open their Premier League account for the season on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth at their new home ground, the London Stadium.
And Bilic says the club are hoping to make one more 'proper' signing before the transfer window closes.
