West Ham United will be delighted after Michail Antonio absence explained with Jamaica
West Ham United star Michail Antonio was absent from Jamaica’s defeat to the USA on 15 November due to suspension, not injury.
The Reggae Boyz are currently preparing to face USA for the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final tie on 19 November, with Antonio set to return to contention having served a one-match ban.
The striker, who has scooped 21 caps for his country so far, was called up by McClaren for the two matches as confirmed by the Hammers [10 November].
Jamaica trail 1-0 on aggregate heading into the second leg as Antonio could well prove to be vital in the States this week, having been booked in each of two previous matches against Honduras.
CONCACAF Nations League subsection 23.12.4 on page 41 of their regulations states two bookings in separate games in the competition result in a one-match suspension.
Michail Antonio ban will have been great news for West Ham
West Ham will have been satisfied with an unintended rest for Antonio enforced on Jamaica.
Julen Lopetegui’s attacking options have worn thin with the uncertainty surrounding Niclas Fullkrug’s return, with Antonio having been heavily relied upon so far this season.
The veteran has come in for criticism which in reality is a microcosm of how poorly the Hammers have performed under Lopetegui this season.
The Spaniard and his colleagues will be pleading for their number nine to emerge from the second leg in the States unscathed, before making the long trip back to London.
West Ham have been troubled by injuries and suspensions throughout the campaign, with Mohammed Kudus’ five-game ban taking his absence through to December at a time when Lopetegui is desperate for an upturn in results.
The Irons next take on Newcastle United on Monday 25 November, which gives an extra leeway for the club’s returning international stars.
In other West Ham news, Jarrod Bowen sends a two-word message to the latest England debutant.
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