Andy Carroll ankle injury could scupper Chelsea move and leave West Ham short for four months

Andy Carroll’s chances of securing a move to Chelsea appear to have been dashed after a scan on Thursday is understood to have shown that the West Ham United striker has an ankle injury and is expected to be out for between four to six weeks.

However, West Ham fear that the injury could be even more serious - and if it requires surgery then Carroll may not play again for up to four months. The club is assessing its options and waiting for further medical updates before deciding treatment.

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The 29-year-old forward is wanted by Chelsea although they are yet to make a formal offer there has been an expectation of a bid in the coming days. West Ham were willing to listen to an offer of £20million at least for Carroll and also wanted the Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi on loan for the rest of the season.

Chelsea had initially wanted to loan Carroll but West Ham have indicated they would only consider a permanent deal.

Batshuayi was watched by West Ham manager David Moyes during Chelsea’s FA Cup Third Round replay against Norwich City on Wednesday evening when the Belgium international scored. It is understood that Moyes was prepared to allow Carroll to leave in exchange for Batshuayi who is expected to go out on loan this month if a replacement can be found.

Carroll has been unable to train at West Ham of late and underwent a scan on Thursday. It showed that he was injured and that the damage is potentially worse than feared. Carroll is understood to be devastated after suffering yet another injury set-back in a career that has been frustratingly hampered by injury.

Carroll scored his first goals of the season for West Ham as he helped them come from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion two weeks ago. He was not in West Ham’s match-day squad for Tuesday night’s FA Cup third-round replay against Shrewsbury Town.

The development means it would be highly unlikely that Chelsea would follow through their interest in trying to sign him before the transfer window closes at the end of this month. Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte wants to improve his strike-force and appears to have little faith in Batshuayi to provide adequate back up for record signing Alvaro Morata who has struggled of late.