David Moyes confirmed that Andy Carroll will be part of West Ham United’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Leicester City.
There had been speculation in the media over Carroll’s position after the centre forward was fined for leaving the Hammers bench early during last weekend’s home defeat by Manchester City.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Moyes said the matter was now closed and the No9 will be part of his thinking at the King Power Stadium.
“We’ve fined him, he has apologised to both the players and myself, so we’ve moved on and we’re quite happy now that it’s done and dusted,” the manager explained. “Andy was in the squad last weekend, that’s why he was on the bench, and he’ll be in the squad this weekend too.
“It’s certainly resolved as far as I’m concerned.”
Andy was in the squad last weekend, that’s why he was on the bench, and he’ll be in the squad this weekend too
David Moyes
Moving onto other team news, the manager admitted that Pedro Obiang and James Collins both need more time on the training pitch before they can be considered for Premier League football again.
Obiang has been out with a knee injury since late January, while Collins has been side-lined with a hamstring problem since mid-March.
“Neither of them are in a condition to do that (be named in the matchday squad at Leicester) yet. Thankfully both of them are back doing some training, but neither of them are at a level of being match-fit.”
Finally, Moyes admitted he has yet to decide who will keep goal at the King Power Stadium, with Joe Hart available again after missing the Manchester City match due to the terms of his loan agreement.
“I’ve got a decision to make on them both. Joe has been in and Adrian has been in, but unfortunately for Joe it was because it was his parent club last week, so I’ve got a decision to make.”
West Ham will be without long-term absentees Winston Reid (knee), Sam Byram (ankle) and Michail Antonio (hamstring) on Saturday.