Chelsea target Andy Carroll could be forced to have ankle surgery ruling West Ham striker out for months
Hammers striker's proposed move to Chelsea is effectively over after the crocked forward is sidelined yet again
ANDY CARROLL could undergo an operation to cure his ankle injury, which could rule him out for months.
The West Ham striker suffered the injury during their 2-1 win over West Brom where he scored both the club's goals.
Hammers boss David Moyes has confirmed the 29-year-old is not training with the squad and will be assessed by doctors over the coming days.
He said: "Andy went for a scan and it showed up that he has got a problem there. We are not sure whether it will need an operation or not.
"We are getting two or three specialists to look at it to get other opinions and when we get that we will be able to make the correct decision.
"They are getting a couple of indications from two other specialists to check out whether it will need an operation or not. Hopefully we will know within a week.
"We would always do what is right for the player no matter if it takes longer because if not you are only patching something up."
It will effectively end Chelsea's surprise chase for the crocked England international.
SQUADROPHENIA Ross Barkley included in Chelsea squad and could make debut against Brighton tomorrow
But Antonio Conte has other targets on horizon in Roma's Edin Dzeko and Stoke veteran Peter Crouch.
The Italian gaffer wants to replace Michy Batshuayi this month with a new target man to relieve the pressure on out-of-form Alvaro Morata.