According to a recent report by Claret and Hugh, West Ham United wide player Michail Antonio is hoping to make a quicker than expected return from his latest injury setback at the London Stadium. The Sun had reported earlier this month that the English winger will be undergoing surgery on his hamstring injury and could be out of action for up to four months.
Antonio had to hobble off after pulling his hamstring during the 2-0 win over Newport County in the Carabao Cup. The English speedster was later diagnosed to have a torn muscle after a second scan on the injury (via Claret and Hugh).
Antonio’s Injury Has Left Pellegrini In A World Of Worry
With Antonio sidelined and Javier Hernandez leaving West Ham earlier this month, Manuel Pellegrini has got Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti as the only fit senior strikers in his squad. The Hammers have made a good start to this campaign with Antonio getting 132 minutes of playing time on the field.
The English goal-getter has suffered multiple long-term injuries in his West Ham career which begs the question on whether he should be shipped out of the club in exchange for a less injury-prone option.
What Does The Englishman Offer On The Field?
Antonio is blessed with electric pace, which allows him to make some dangerous runs behind the opposition backline. The 29-year-old is also highly versatile as he can play in multiple positions across the pitch. The London-born sensation is primarily a right-sided winger but can fill in on the left or operate as a centre-forward up top. He can also play in the right-back position, which makes him a useful asset at Pellegrini’s disposal.
Is There Any Way Back For Antonio At The London Stadium?
Antonio’s unavailability because of another serious injury will be a bitter pill to swallow for the Hammers as they are currently short of options in the offensive end of the field. The East London outfit should consider cashing in on the English winger when the transfer window reopens in January. Pellegrini could use the money generated from this sale to bring in a suitable replacement.
However, at the moment, West Ham can only hope that Antonio will be able to recover in time before the busy winter schedule later this year when fixtures come thick and fast in the English top-flight. If the English winger can justify his worth on the pitch before the January transfer window, then there still might be a way back for him at East London.