West Ham United officials are confident that striker Andy Carroll will be fit in time for the start of the new Premier League season.

The 24-year-old completed a permanent move to Upton Park earlier this summer having spent last term on loan in London, but his pre-season has been disrupted so far with a heel injury.

Despite fears of Carroll's injury ruining his preparation for the coming year, Hammers assistant boss Neil McDonald believes that he has enough time to fully recover.

"He is well underway in his rehab, he is working hard on the training ground and we just have to be a little bit patient," McDonald told Sky Sports News.

"The injury that he has is quite extensive and it takes time for the body to heal itself. He is doing everything he can to push on.

"He has been working really hard and there is still plenty of time for him to get himself fit for the start of the season."

Carroll scored seven goals in 24 appearances for West Ham last season.