Andy Carroll: West Ham striker close to comeback

Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool on loan before moving permanently for £15m in June 2013

West Ham striker Andy Carroll could return in time to face former clubs Liverpool or Newcastle, according to manager Slaven Bilic.

The 26-year-old has been out since February following knee surgery but returned to training with the under-21 squad last week.

He could now face either Liverpool on 29 August or Newcastle on 14 September.

"Andy Carroll is doing really well. He will be joining the squad in terms of training very soon," said Bilic.

"He has been working for a few weeks but last week he was doing individual stuff without any problems so now the injury is gone.

"We just have to bring him in slowly, but as soon as possible to gain fitness.

"The target the medical department told me is Liverpool or Newcastle, which is the fourth or fifth game of the season."