West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has expressed his interest in starting Andy Carroll for their side's home Premier League clash against Burnley on Wednesday.
The England striker was ruled out for three-and-a-half months with a knee problem but has now returned to action, making substitute appearances against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Bilic told Sky Sports News: "We will decide on Wednesday. [Carroll] came on twice from the bench, now we need to decide whether to use him from the bench or from the start.
"We have two very important games and we have to manage our players to be available in both. I've been talking about Carroll for most of the last season, he's that kind of player.
"It is a big blow when we are missing him. We are not afraid to start him but we have to think twice on how to manage him. We can't look only at Wednesday's game, but we have to look at the bigger picture."
Following their midweek game, the Hammers will welcome fellow Premier League strugglers Hull City to the London Stadium on Saturday.
Giuseppe Labellarte
