Newcastle United forward Andy Carroll has been pulled out of the squad to face Wolves on Sunday due to an injury, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Magpies’ attacker is not seriously injured and his withdrawal is part of the club’s careful management plan for his rehabilitation.
The Chronicle report that Steve Bruce is taking preliminary action after Carroll felt a twinge in his groin during the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on Saturday.
Carroll will continue to be assessed by the club’s medical staff in the next week, and a decision will soon be made on whether or not the colossal forward can face his former side, West Ham United.
OPINION
Given Carroll’s recent history of injuries at both West Ham and Newcastle, it appears to be the smartest decision by Bruce to make sure he is not involved in the game against Wolves. The 30-year-old has not yet started a game for the club since arriving in the summer, and should he be risked in any game when he has a slight issue, it could easily turn into a much more serious problem. His physical presence off the bench could be a real miss for Bruce and his side, with the forward capable of coming on and changing the game in the space of five minutes. This set back has proved how prepared Newcastle were for the possibility, and their quick actions could be the difference between Carroll only missing one game and potentially being sidelined for months once again. Having a game against his former side to look forward too could be the ultimate motivation for Carroll to come back firing and make a real difference between now and the end of the season.
