Andy Carroll out with groin injury

Andy Carroll will miss West Ham United's trip to Swansea City on Sunday after picking up a groin problem in training.

Confirming the news at his pre-match presser today, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic said that he would be resting the striker as a precaution after his previous injury history. The 26-year-old returned to the squad in September after seven months out with a knee injury.

Bilic told reporters: "We have an Andy Carroll situation that he is feeling his groin adductor. We're going to see him today. It's looks like he's going to be off for the Swansea game, which of course is a big blow.

"One game only. That's what the medical team has told me. It's nothing major but we're going to see it now at training. The scan showed more problems. Not long term but if we're talking about Sunday, it's very unlikely that he is going to play."

Bilic also confirmed that Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet would shortly be returning to action, with both potentially available for the side's Boxing Day trip to struggling Aston Villa.