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West Ham United injury news as ExWHUemployee shares Michail Antonio latest
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio could return to action for Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final second-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar, according to ExWHUemployee.
The Jamaican international has once again proven a key and prominent figure for David Moyes in recent weeks, even scoring the winner in last week’s 2-1 first-leg triumph at the London Stadium.
Antonio missed West Ham’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Sunday [14 May] following a calf injury, prompting concerns that he would be missing the crucial 2nd leg encounter in Holland.
However, according to ExWHUemployee [16 May] speaking on his The West Ham Way podcast, the club are hopeful that the veteran striker will be available for Thursday’s encounter.
“Antonio was seen limping off last week and he of course wasn’t in the squad for Sunday. However, I have spoken to people at the club and there is confidence he will be ok for Thursday.
“From what I have been told is that he picked up a dead leg on his calf, but the club are hopeful he will be available”, the key West Ham United source reveals.
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So pivotal
This is huge news for West Ham United and their chances to claim a first major trophy since 1980.
Antonio, despite the links in him potentially leaving the London Stadium this summer, has yet again proven how crucial he is to the David Moyes cause in recent weeks and months.
The 33-year-old has hit five goals and an assist in his last seven games in all competitions once again showing that he is West Ham United’s main man up front.
Moyes could so easily start Ings who is very well capable of leading the line in Antonio’s absence but it’s clear he doesn’t off the same presence and power that Antonio does.
The former Nottingham Forest man’s strength, aggression, energy and off-the-ball work are hugely crucial commodities to the West Ham United system and something they simply cannot do without on Thursday evening.
Makes you wonder why Moyes will look to replace him should he become unavailable. Right now, the former Manchester United manager won’t be entertaining those thoughts.