West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that he may consider 'risking' striker Andy Carroll against Cardiff City this weekend.

The 25-year-old has not played one minute of football this campaign since suffering an Achilles injury during pre-season.

However, after seeking treatment from a variety of specialists, Carroll has returned to training, and Allardyce has claimed that he could play him as he tries to turn the Hammers' fortunes around.

"Andy is training okay and we have to talk to the lads who are looking after him on whether he's ready or not," he said in a press conference.

"We'll look at him in training today and then take a decision from there. It may be a calculated risk I'm prepared to take."

West Ham are currently second from bottom in the Premier League table.