Carlton's Charlton verdict provides clue to Carroll comeback

 

As Carlton Cole returned for a specially arranged friendly with Charlton to assess his fitness ahead of a possible new deal, observers have noted how the outcome will point towards whether the Carroll injury crisis is likely to end soon or if a new year return is more realistic.

The game ended in defeat for a Hammers side that included a number of returning first team players such as Joe Cole and Stewart Downing who were gaining crucial match time, as well as Cole's principal rival for the striker's role in Mladen Petric.

Petric opened the scoring in a move that began with a Cole knock down but ultimately the Hammers were well beaten. There has been a deafening silence from thew Boleyn and ominously Hammers coach Ian Hendon did not mention Cole in his post match assessment, but did reserve praise for Mladen Petric and his improving fitness.

Maybe Carroll will be returning in the near future after all.