Andy Carroll could be out until August with heel injury

Striker Andy Carroll could be out until the start of the new season with the heel injury that forced him out of England's two post-season friendlies.

The 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan at West Ham from Liverpool, fell awkwardly in the Hammers' final game of the season.

Although no surgery is required Carroll could be out for at least three months.

It is understood the injury will not jeopardise Carroll's proposed move from Liverpool to West Ham.

The clubs agreed a fee in the region of £15m, but the Hammers' top scorer has yet to decide whether he wants to join the east London club on a permanent basis.

Carroll was signed by Kenny Dalglish from Newcastle and moved to Liverpool on transfer deadline day in January 2011, for what remains a record fee for a British player of £35m.

The centre forward joins Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Arsenal's Jack Wilshere on the sidelines for England's matches against the Republic of Ireland on 29 May and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on 2 June.