Oh Carroll!

Well, it wouldn't be a proper pre-season without news of another long-term injury for Andy Carroll — and now Winston Reid is out too. Both have failed to fully recover from last season's injuries and require further surgery, ruling both Andy and Winston out for three months. You've got to feel for Carroll, his body just doesn't seem up to the demands of top level football anymore. While Winston is now 30 and you wonder if he's also in decline, though as a defender he should have a good few years left. It's a cruel game for both of them. So that's one pre-season game played and already Lanzini, Carroll and Reid are crocked. At lest we're getting our injury crisis in early. Nurse, the screens.

Winston out for the season

More bad news. Winston Reid is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and so too is Sam Byram. We can live with Byram's injury as long as Zabaleta keeps fit, but the Reid injury is a real blow. Ogbonna should be recovered from illness and Ginge might make it for Saturday, but it makes the decision to cash in on Fonte and earn £5 million look even more short-sighted. Rice is promising but still makes mistakes and now would have been an ideal time to have an experienced European Championship winner to call on. 

The side can't hide behind the excuse of injuries though. Whoever plays against Burnley has to give everything against a Burnley side with big physical strikers in Wood and Barnes. After the capitulation at Swansea the players owe the fans. This really is a must-win must-win game.

Winston Reid: We want you to stay!

You probably can't believe the Daily Star, but they claim that Winston Reid is poised to sign a new deal with the Hammers, and snub Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool in the process. The defending in the Premier League has been pretty terrible this season (as witnessed at the Library last night) so it would be no surprise if these top clubs were interested. Let's hope there's some truth in this and Winston sees his future with us…