OPINION
Despite re-signing for the club in the summer, Newcastle United forward Andy Carroll has yet to make his second debut under Steve Bruce.
The Magpies’ boss has already told the Chronicle how he has been blown away by the positive effect that Carroll has had on his teammates in training since arriving at St James’ Park.
The former Liverpool and Hammers’ forward has been struggling with an ankle injury since the end of last season and has returned to light training after a second surgery on the problem [Source: The Chronicle].
With the 30-year-old edging towards a second debut, Bruce will be eager to utilise the powerful forward, who will surely be chomping at the bit to get going this season.
Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool highlighted how the Magpies are desperate for the physicality of Carroll, with Joelinton struggling to make any effect on the game whatsoever.
Bruce confirmed after the Liverpool defeat, as quoted by Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope on his personal Twitter account, that Carroll is set for a massive week in his injury rehabilitation.
With Bruce referring to Carroll and his week ahead, it could suggest that it could be a make or break situation for the England international, who could feature in the game against Brighton.
Carroll has failed to hit the ground running at any club after leaving Newcastle back in 2011, only scoring a combined 45 goals in 200 games.
That is compared to his first stint in the North East, where he managed to score 33 goals in only 90 appearances, and what Bruce would do to get some of those goals in his side.
After a visit to a specialist and having been back out on the training pitch, there will be an air of optimism surrounding the fitness of Carroll, who could certainly be facing a make or break week for the Magpies.
