Carroll out for six weeks

West Ham's new signing Andy Carroll is going to be out of action until mid-October after sustaining a hamstring injury on his debut.

The 23-year-old forward, who joined West Ham on loan last week has been ruled out for around six weeks after the extent of the damage to his hamstring was revealed in tests.

Carroll, who was due to join up with England yesterday was injured after jumping for a header with Fulham's Brede Hangeland during the second half of Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham.

It was initially hoped that the damage to his thigh was minor - but KUMB understands this morning that the club's worst fears have since been realised.

Meanwhile, the club's co-owner David Gold has responded to the confusion regarding Carroll's contract situation - by muddying the waters even more.

Both West Ham and Liverpool reported on their respective websites last week that the deal was a season-long loan.

However Reds manager Brendan Rodgers, speaking after his team's 2-0 home defeat against Arsenal on Sunday told the BBC that he had the option to recall Carroll in January, should he so desire.

Having been bombarded by Tweets from supporters in the past 48 hours David Gold finally responded to calls for clarification this morning - but failed to give a definitive answer.

"The exact terms of Andy Carroll's year-long loan deal is subject to a confidentially agreement," he said, "but we are hopeful he will be with us the whole season."