Source: Northern_Echo
Carroll’s injury eases
ANDY CARROLL looks likely to earn his first England cap tomorrow after receiving encouraging news on the groin problem that threatened to ruin his first call-up. The Newcastle striker underwent further assessment with the national team's medical staff yesterday in the hope that he will recover in time to face France at Wembley. Despite feeling soreness around his groin in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's goalless draw with Fulham, the pain has since eased which has given him hope of appearing in a senior England shirt for the first time. Providing progress continues and that Newcastle's physiotherapy department reach agreement with their counterparts in London, the 21-year-old is hoping to train under the watchful eye of Fabio Capello today and figure in some capacity against the French. Carroll had woken on Sunday morning believing that he had little choice but to withdraw from the squad, with Newcastle fearing their No 9 could be facing around three weeks on the sidelines. Now, though, the situation appears to have changed after he joined up with the England squad for assessment. Meanwhile, Newcastle winger Kazenga LuaLua, meanwhile, has had his loan spell with Brighton cut short because of a broken leg sustained during Saturday's defeat to Hartlepool. LuaLua, 19, is not expected to return to action until the new year.