West Ham have been sweating on the fitness of key attacker Michail Antonio since his withdrawal from the Manchester City game.
Michail Antonio has been on blistering form ever since West Ham’s match against Chelsea. The Englishman has scored eleven goals and assisted one more in his last thirteen Premier League matches.
The converted striker showed how much confidence he is playing with at the moment, after scoring a sensational overhead kick against Manchester City on the weekend. But early on in the second half, Antonio was forced off the pitch with a suspected hamstring injury.
All week fans have been concerned over the striker’s fitness, and now their fears have been confirmed. David Moyes, in his press conference, confirmed that Antonio’s scan revealed that the injury was worse than first feared.
The West Ham manager confirmed that Michail Antonio would miss the Hammers trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool. Though in his answer he did give a bit of hope that Antonio might be fit for the match against Fulham.
"“We don’t think it’s too bad but he’s out of this game, that’s for sure.”David Moyes on Antonio’s injury."
Antonio has always struggled with hamstring injuries in the past few seasons, so much so it seemed only a matter of time before it happened again. West Ham are short for striker back-up, and Antonio’s absence will give a chance to Sebastien Haller.
The club’s record signing has not had the best of times since his £45 million transfer from Frankfurt last summer. Haller has a very different play style compared to Antonio. This is were the Frenchman can improve, if he wants to make a success of his time in London.
Haller is capable of finding the back of the net, scoring five times this season already but only once in the Premier League. The 26-year-old must show his commitment to the club in the games he will have available, or he could be on his way out of the club in January.
West Ham’s match against Liverpool will kick-off at 17:30 on Saturday 31st October. The club currently sits twelfth in the Premier League table and are unbeaten in their last four games.