Andy Carroll ruled out for 4 months with a torn ligament

Andy Carroll has suffered another injury setback

West Ham striker Andy Carroll will be out for four months after sustaining a torn ligament in his ankle.

The news was revealed via social networking site Twitter by Jack Sullivan, the son of West Ham’s co-owner David Sullivan.

The ex-Liverpool forward was earlier removed from West Ham’s squad for their pre-season tour in New Zealand as a “pre-cautionary measure” after the England international complained of a sore ankle after training.

A statement from the club yesterday read: “Andy Carroll will miss both games on the Football United tour of New Zealand as a precautionary measure after developing a sore left ankle during training.

“After assessment by the club’s medical experts, it was decided to let the England international rest for both remaining games and receive intensive treatment to ensure he is fit for the start of the season.

“It should be clear that the affected area is not in any way associated with the previous injury he successfully overcame towards the end of last season.”

This comes as a fresh blow to both Carroll as well as West Ham. The Newcastle native managed to appear only 16 times for the Hammers last term after missing the majority of the season because of a heel injury.

The Hammers invested heavily on Carroll last summer, spending £15 million to Liverpool to acquire his services and building the team around his aerial prowess.

Carroll in his two seasons at the Upton Park has made only 39 appearances, scoring 9 goals.

VERY BAD NEW REGARDING AC, TORN LIGAMENTS IN ANKLE... OPERATION TOMORROW WITH TOP SURGEON IN USA... WILL BE PLAYING IN 4 MONTHS

— Jack Sullivan (@jsullivanwhu) July 24, 2014