Julen Lopetegui and Michail Antonio at West Ham. Credit: Imago
Julen Lopetegui and Michail Antonio at West Ham. Credit: Imago
Match

Julen Lopetegui absolutely buzzing as Michail Antonio debacle emerges away from West Ham United

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Michail Antonio has remained a key figure under Julen Lopetegui despite a total drop in form for West Ham.

The 34-year-old only has one goal and one assist to his name so far this season, coming against Brentford and Ipswich Town, but is still the number-one choice over Danny Ings.

Of course, Niclas Fullkrug was supposed to be the new striker to change things at the London Stadium but injury woes have completely ruined his start to life in East London, putting Tim Steidten under a lot of pressure.

With the attack blanking in the previous two Premier League matches, Lopetegui cannot afford to lose any more forwards, especially after Mohammed Kudus' extended ban after a red card against Tottenham.

That is why the manager will be secretly rubbing hands together after it was revealed that Antonio would not be travelling with the Jamaica squad to face the USA in the early hours of Tuesday morning (19 November).

Michail Antonio to return to West Ham United after Jamaica passport debacle

Steve McClaren revealed, as per Jon Arnold [17 November], that the 34-year-old lost his passport, making it too late to replace them and get visas, meaning he will likely return to East London unscathed.

He also missed the return leg on Friday 15 November, meaning that Antonio should be at Lopetegui's disposal when the Hammers face Newcastle United once the international break is over.

Travelling to St James' Park on Monday 25 November, the Irons will be under pressure to get back to winning ways following their 0-0 stalemate against Everton before the two-week break.

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui has had a mixed start as West Ham head coach. (Credit: Imago)

While Antonio has only managed to hit the back of the net once this season, his hold-up play and all-round performances can often be crucial for the Hammers, and Lopetegui will be counting on him.

There has not been much mention of any of his players sustaining injuries during the international break yet, but the club will certainly be doing checks once everyone returns to East London.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sign a 38G/A Serie A forward whose price tag could rise above £50million.

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West Ham United
Michail Antonio
Jamaica
Julen Lopetegui
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