West Ham United: Injury expert shares Michail Antonio and Lucas Paqueta update v Nottingham Forest
West Ham stars Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio are currently being assessed ahead of a potential return to action against Nottingham Forest, according to Ben Dinnery.
The injury expert shared the update on his Premier Injuries website (14 February) that both players could potentially return as West Ham look to grab a much-needed win at the City Ground on Saturday (17 February) and are being assessed at the London Stadium.
Antonio could be set to return to the Hammers’ matchday squad for the first time in three months after the Jamaican international dropped a hint surrounding his fitness on social media (14 February).
Paqueta has missed West Ham’s last five matches in all competitions due to a calf injury sustained against Bristol City in the FA Cup and both he and Antonio’s status are at 25 per cent according to Dinnery.
Michail Antonio and Lucas Paqueta return incredibly timely for West Ham
It goes without saying just how much David Moyes has missed both Antonio and Paqueta, with the Brazilian having been in fine form before his injury.
Both players have been missed in the final third, as has Paqueta, with the 26-year-old also crucial to the Hammers when it comes to the defensive side of the game.
Antonio may not have been particularly impressive in front of goal so far this season, but his return will be a huge boost to Moyes as he looks to show those in charge at West Ham that he deserves a new contract at the London Stadium.
The Jamaican international’s presence and impact up front is what West Ham are crying out for with Moyes making the continued decisions to deploy Jarrod Bowen up front, who looks like he prefers a right-wing role.
Danny Ings has been available to the West Ham boss and has put in some impressive cameos in recent weeks but Moyes doesn’t trust him to start, and that friction could yet cost him his job if he isn’t careful.
Certainly, West Ham have been blighted by injuries in recent weeks but it is Moyes’ decisions in recent matches that are letting the club and fans down, and it’s no wonder why he’s under increasing pressure.
Antonio and Paqueta could yet return against Nottingham Forest but there’s no guarantees they will feature from the off so Moyes has to get his selection right this time with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men undergoing a resurgence under his management.
In other West Ham news, a new name has emerged as a contender to replace Moyes with “significant compensation” needed if David Sullivan is to make his move.