ANDY CARROLL INJURY IS A BIG BLOW SAYS STEWART DOWNING

Losing Andy Carroll for the start of the Premier League season is a big blow says West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing. He had already been ruled out of matches against A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC because of the injury. The 25-year-old striker is to undergo surgery on torn ankle ligaments in the United States and is expected to be out of action for four months.He has been flown from New Zealand, where his team are part of the Football United Tour, for treatment after hurting his ankle during training at the start of the tour."It's a big blow for the team. He's a big player for us. But it's a chance for someone else to come in and stake their claim. His team mate expects him to get well soon.