Friday 12 May 2017 13:36, UK
Slaven Bilic will "never give up" on injury-jinxed Andy Carroll, who will miss Sunday's final home game of the season against Liverpool.
The striker's latest injury is his groin but the West Ham manager confirmed it was not a serious issue.
Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, Bilic said: "Andy Carroll won't be able to play against Liverpool.
"He's still feeling his groin. It's nothing major but he will miss the game."
And the Croatian says the 28-year-old remains a key figure at the club and would not comment on the former Newcastle and Liverpool player's future.
He added: "It is not a subject for now, but Andy is kind of a player that has such a big impact on our game that we won't give up on him.
"Especially now, as this has nothing to do with lifestyle or not being committed enough.
"He works really hard, it was bad luck and, as I said, I will never give up on him.
Andy is a player that has such a big impact on our game that we won't give up on him.
"On the other hand, it is no good having a player whose name you put down first, second or third and can't rely on him."
Two midfielders who are sidelined for the season are Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate, both of whom require surgery.
Bilic went on: "Mark has had a hernia in the last couple of months, he didn't want to talk about it as he is a great captain and wanted to help the team.
"He played through the pain and with that pain and it became a bit worse.
"It's not because we are safe now and he doesn't want to play. I wanted him to play one more game but the surgeon said he should get it done.
"Kouyate has a wrist problem, he played through a lot of pain with injections. He was supposed to do that operation earlier.
"We made a plan for him to play as much as possible, but it became worse."
Watch this Sunday's match between West Ham and Liverpool at the London Stadium, Live on Sky Sports
