Noble gives Antonio injury update after what he’s seen behind-the-scenes at West Ham
Michail Antonio’s return to West Ham United’s training base earlier this year was a massive milestone for the fan favourite.
Antonio’s career looked like it may well have been over when he was involved in a truly horrific car accident in December.
A few months on, though, and the Jamaica international was already back at Rush Green and eyeing a return to the pitch.
Steve McClaren, the forward’s manager at international level, recently suggested Antonio could be back as early as June.
And providing an update of his own via talkSPORT on Thursday (24 April), West Ham great Mark Noble hailed Antonio for the battling spirit he has shown thus far on his way back.
Antonio still has long road back at West Ham
Noble fell short of providing any sort of date Antonio could be aiming to return for, such as the start of next season, or indeed June, but he did share an encouraging update of sorts.
“To be honest, if you look at him, he’s a freak of nature. I mean, how he got out of that car in the first place,” Noble said.
“But I saw him yesterday at the training ground and he’s walking about freely. He’s in the gym doing stuff.
“I think Antonio’s realised that he’s a very lucky boy to walk away and he accepts that, but it’s just great to see him around because he’s such a good character.
“I think he’s still got a lot of rehab to do with the injury he got but, as I say, just to actually see him here and being with the boys is great.”
Antonio future still unclear at West Ham
Noble was speaking to Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein on talkSPORT, the irony being that it was the former of those who recently suggested West Ham may part ways with Antonio.
In fairness, while that assessment may sounds harsh on the face of it, everyone is aware of Antonio’s contract situation and he is not getting any younger.
| West Ham | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Antonio | 323 | 83 | 35 |
West Ham should have the courtesy of funding his wages while he recovers – he has given plenty to the club after all – but it is difficult to see how much of a future Antonio really has at the London Stadium.
The priority right now is to see him back on a football field, whether that be a few months from now or towards the end of the year – beyond then, even.
Antonio is hugely lucky to still be alive, and his eventual return will bring a smile to everyone’s face when it happens.