West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has reportedly told the club that he is unable to train due to an ankle injury, despite scans revealing no problem.

The 29-year-old striker has missed West Ham's last three games through injury, including Tuesday night's FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town as the Hammers needed extra time to battle past their League One opponents in a replay.

Carroll has been linked with a move away from the club this month following reports that Premier League champions Chelsea are interested in taking him on loan.

West Ham boss David Moyes has insisted that there has been no contact from Chelsea over the target man, who has 18 months remaining on his current deal.

However, The Mirror reports that Carroll has delayed his return to training due to concerns over an injury, while the club believe that the striker could be fit enough to rejoin the rest of the squad.

Carroll has started just three Premier League games under Moyes and has two goals in 14 appearances for the season.