West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has claimed that Andy Carroll's style of play could be behind his injury troubles over the past couple of years.

Carroll is believed to be close to returning to first-team action after damaging ankle ligaments in the summer, and Allardyce believes that a lack of fear on the pitch will always put the England international at risk of picking up injuries.

"I think he is so brave and fearless that I fear that some of the injuries actually come from that," the Hammers boss told reporters. "He doesn't fear any situation. But sometimes he goes into those areas with no fear and it can be a little dangerous in terms of injuries.

"That comes with more experience I think. He is a whole-hearted, committed player.

"I cannot tell him to pull out of challenges. I think that with experience, you just know what you can win and what you definitely might not be able to win. That might steer him clear of an injury or two that might occur."

Carroll played an hour in a friendly with Southend United behind closed doors earlier this week.