Steve Bruce won't 'blame' goal shortage on this Newcastle United player

The striker, re-signed last summer as he recovered from an ankle operation, is sidelined with a hip problem.

Carroll made a big impact late last year before succumbing to injury, and Bruce – whose side is struggling for goals – hopes that he will be available for the February 16 game against Arsenal.

“Andy was, up until a month ago, was doing exactly what we hoped he would,” said United's head coach. “You can’t just blame it on Andy. His ankle’s all right, but he has a hip problem.”

Bruce opted against signing a striker in last month’s transfer window. He said: “You say ‘let’s go and buy one out of the top of the Championship’ when all the top of the Championship want to buy Dwight (Gayle). We couldn’t get anybody with the right quality.”