The England striker has been at West Ham United for a total of 32 months since first joining on loan from Liverpool before signing permanently in a £15million move.
He has spent 17 of those sidelined through a string of injuries, his latest setback arriving in February when he suffered a medial knee ligament damage that would rule him out for the rest of the season. And it put a stop to an impressive run of five goals in 14 games.
'I am trying to give 100 per cent every time and throw myself into everything'
The club has conducted plenty of research into what could be causing the problems with the big forward following hamstring, knee, heel and ankle injuries, but the Newcastle-born goalscorer says he knows the reason why.
“It is just the way I play - aggressive play,” Carroll told the Evening Standard.
“You see the way I did my knee. I went up for a header, went to run in where one of the defenders was standing and I’ve clattered him in the back and I’ve ended up doing my own injury.
“That’s just me. Most of the injuries - I’ve hyper-extended when running for a tackle - it is just because I am trying to give 100 per cent every time and throw myself into everything. I think that is what happens.
Carroll scored five goals before his injury
“In training I am not like that. I take my foot off the gas a little bit with our players but as soon as I am on the pitch, I don’t think anyone can stop me running about like I do throwing myself into challenges.
“Whatever the gaffer has got to say, I don’t think he could do anything to change that!”
The road to recovery is one well-known to Carroll. Following a spell on crutches after surgery, the 6ft 4in forward is now walking freely as he begins his rehabilitation.
'For every English player, Euro 2016 is a big target'
“It’s hard work and even harder when you see the lads going out and enjoying themselves, playing football and I’m stuck in the gym,” he said.
“I’ve gone through rehab before but I don’t think it’ll ever get any easier. I don’t want to be injured.
“I want to be out on the pitch so if it is a week-long injury, a six-week injury or a six-month injury, it is always going to be the same.
“I just want to be out on the pitch playing football. It is the worst feeling ever when you can’t.”
The 26-year-old is not only looking forward to getting back with the Hammers, he is also targeting a return to the international fold, adding to his nine England caps and two goals.
“For every English player, Euro 2016 is a big target,” admitted Carroll.
“Play well and hope for the best. At the minute my focus is on getting fit. I believe in my ability and if I am back fit, scoring goals I don’t see why I couldn’t be in the England squad.
“Every time there has been a game I have had some niggle or some injury and I’ve just missed out on that. I got injured again before the last game, it’s just been bad timing.”
