Slaven Bilic has admitted that there is "a big question mark" over Andy Carroll's future at West Ham United following his latest injury setback.
The England international is out of action for up to six weeks after damaging his knee during a substitute appearance against Astra Giurgiu last Thursday.
Carroll, who has played just 81 league games for the Hammers during the last four years, took to Twitter following the announcement of his layoff to promise supporters that he can still bag "15 to 20 goals a season" for the club.
Bilic is not so sure, however, and says that he can no longer rely on the 27-year-old - who has cost United close to £50m since joining permanently in 2013 - to lead the line for his side.
"I will sign now the contract if his injury is four weeks or six weeks and, after that, good until the end of the season," he is quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
"I will take it. Andy is Andy. He's dedicated now to training, to everything, it's a big blow for us, a big question mark also and big frustration with these things that are happening to him. The worst situation is when you plan, then you can't count on him. All the time."
Prior to picking up an injury, Carroll had targeted a return to the England senior fold under Sam Allardyce following a four-year absence.
Daniel Lewis
