London, England (SportsNetwork.com) - West Ham striker Andy Carroll was ruled out for the remainder of the season on Friday because of a torn knee ligament.
Carroll was forced off the field in the second half of Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Southampton, which forced the Hammers to finish the contest with nine men as goalkeeper Adrian had been sent off and the team had already used all three of its substitutes.
The injury is another blow to the 26-year-old Carroll, who missed much of last season as well as the beginning of the current campaign through injury.
West Ham manager Sam Allarydce was hopeful that Carroll would be able to return to the team prior to the end of the season, but tests confirmed that he will require surgery, keeping him out until after the summer.
Carroll enjoyed a great start to his professional career with Newcastle as he tallied 31 goals in 80 games before securing a big-money move to Liverpool, which ended in disappointing fashion as Carroll managed just six goals in 44 games before moving to West Ham.
In 14 games this term Carroll has managed five goals, while West Ham will face West Bromwich in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
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