STEVE BRUCE has admitted he has no idea what is wrong with the injury-ravaged Andy Carroll or when he will return.
Having started just four league games for Newcastle this season due to an ongoing hip problem, Carroll has not been seen on the pitch for the last month.
Newcastle have been left frustrated by Andy Carroll’s mystery injuryCredit: PA:Press Association
Newcastle still have no idea what the problem with Carroll isCredit: Reuters
The Geordie target man, 31, re-joined his hometown side in the summer on a pay-as-you-play deal after a persistent ankle injury wrecked his time at West Ham – and he could now be in line for a new contract.
Bruce hoped he would be back fit and firing after the winter break – but is now unsure when he will return having been unable to diagnose the injury.
The Toon boss said: “The frustration for us all is that just as we thought we were getting Andy back, he volleyed a ball and hasn’t been the same.
“We haven’t been able to get a diagnosis for him really, which is a frustration for everybody.
“The big thing is that his ankle is okay, but it’s frustrating for all of us, especially Andy, who is disappointed over something you think is nothing.”
Bruce continued: “I don’t think it’s actually the hip itself. Unfortunately, he has been dealt a cruel hand, and certain players go through their careers like that.
“Andy has certainly been unfortunate to have been one of them.
“He’s a strong-minded individual and tough mentally, and I suppose he’s had to be. However, even as tough as you are mentally, it affects you if you can’t play.
“Unfortunately it has drifted into five or six weeks when we expected it to be ten days. We’re not putting a timescale on it, it’s just the way it is.”
Newcastle travel to Arsenal on Sunday and Bruce may only have one fit striker for the trip.
The Magpies boss also hoped that Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto would be back fit after the break – but they are yet to prove their fitness.
Joelinton is now the only recognised front man and is set to start against the Gunners.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
