West Ham striker Andy Carroll could feature in Wednesday night's EFL Cup clash against Manchester United, Slaven Bilic has confirmed.
Carroll has not played for the Hammers since suffering a knee problem in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on the opening weekend of the season.
The 27-year-old's career in east London has been plagued by injury problems but he is finally closing in on a return to first-team action.
West Ham travel to Old Trafford in midweek and the England international is in contention to feature against Jose Mourinho's side as well as the upcoming London derby against Arsenal.
"We're going to see," Bilic insisted. "If he [Carroll] progresses like he is with no more things he feels, then definitely for Saturday.
"Maybe tomorrow, but definitely for Saturday. With him it's day by day."
Carroll's return could provide Bilic with a timely boost after Diafra Sakho suffered a hamstring problem in Sunday's Premier League 1-1 draw against United.
The Senegal international has made just two appearances this term but could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines with West Ham waiting to learn the extent of damage he has suffered.
"The scan will show us how bad the injury is," Bilic said of Sakho's problem.
"We don't know yet but he definitely won't play tomorrow. If it's one week, two weeks, four weeks, I don't know.
"It's a big blow for us. He showed against Spurs and against Manchester United what he brings to the team. I can only hope it's not going to be long."
Sakho's absence is set to leave Bilic short of options up front with Andre Ayew yet to hit top form since returning from his own injury setback while Simone Zaza and Ashley Fletcher have failed to score this term.
