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Carroll is facing up to four months on the sidelines after tearing ankle ligaments – once again leaving manager Sam Allardyce without his £15m talisman.

The 25-year-old’s spell at Upton Park has been blighted by injuries since arriving from Liverpool in August 2012.

Carroll spent five months on the sidelines last season nursing a heel problem, while he also saw his debut campaign with the Hammers disrupted by hamstring and knee problems.

But former Hammers ace Ashton, who was forced to retire from the game in 2009 due to an ankle injury, is adamant Carroll will not go the same way.

“It is going to be difficult for him, but he is a very strong lad and I am sure he will come back like he did last season,” said Ashton.

“To be out for four months is devastating. These big injuries cannot be rushed and that is what is so hard for Andy.

“There is no quick fix, but fortunately it is not the same area he injured last season.

“It is terrible as Andy has shown in a lot of his performances what an influence he has on the team and how big a player he can be for West Ham.

“I am sure Andy will be desperate and determined to return and prove to everyone that he is a top player.”

Allardyce has been busy this summer adding to his attacking options, splashing out £12m on Ecuador World Cup star Enner Valencia as well as snapping up former Birmingham City forward Mauro Zarate on a free.

But following Carroll’s latest injury set-back, the West Ham boss is likely to be forced back into the transfer market and Ashton admits the burden of firing the goals will fall on the new recruits’ shoulders.

“It puts real pressure on those players coming in to perform,” he added.

“I am sure Sam would have looked at Zarate and Valencia and been thinking of playing them with Andy.

“It is a big blow for Sam. But hopefully Zarate can bring the quality that he showed last year in Argentina to the team.

“Valencia looked good at the World Cup. His movement and pace makes him dangerous. However he is a bit of an unknown quantity.

“Once the season starts we will get a better indication if they can really perform in Andy’s absence. But I still feel they have to go out and get another striker.”

West Ham are hoping to bring in up to four more players before the summer window slams shut to add to the acquisitions of Zarate, Valencia, Diego Poyet, Cheikhou Kouyate and Aaron Cresswell.

Prior to losing Carroll, a central defender and a creative midfielder were high on Allardyce’s wish list.

But with the priority now on new forward, Ashton made it clear who he would like his former club to sign.

“Romelu Lukaku would be absolutely perfect for West Ham,” said Ashton.

“His situation at Chelsea still has not been resolved and where he will be next season is uncertain.

“Someone like him would be absolutely superb and I am sure every West Ham fan would say the same.”