Report: Michail Antonio set to return in West Ham clash v Brighton
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio is set to return for the Premier League clash against Brighton, according to Claret and Hugh.
Initial concerns were that the Hammers striker was likely set to remain sidelined until January, but he could return sooner.
Antonio is certain to miss out at Stamford Bridge later tonight but is set to be involved in the squad for the Brighton clash on the 27th.
This is a major boost for the Irons.
David Moyes will be delighted with this, but he will also know to remain cautious before bringing Antonio back too early once again.
The Irons definitely did that after his last hamstring blow, and he only aggravated the problem and made it worst.
One big positive for the Chelsea clash is that Fabian Balbuena should be back and ready to feature against our London rivals.
That means Sebastien Haller is all-but-certain to keep his spot, as he looks to build on his bicycle kick against Crystal Palace last time out.
Haller has split opinion this season.
The Ivorian international has worked very hard in the final third, but his finishing has been far from good enough in important games recently.
Frank McAvennie has exclusively told West Ham Zone that he believes signing a striker in January would make the Irons genuine European contenders.
That would suggest that Haller isn’t good enough, and that Antonio’s fitness is a huge worry between now and May for the Hammers.
This is a big boost though, and it appears that Antonio will be on the bench, atleast, against Brighton next week.
In other West Ham United news, our predicted starting XI for the Irons against Chelsea