The Athletic’s West Ham United correspondent Roshane Thomas has provided an injury update regarding the fitness of striker Michail Antonio during the outlets U Irons Podcast on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old was taken off early into the second half after opening the scoring during the Hammers 1-1 draw with Manchester City last Saturday, sparking fears the talismanic frontman may be out for some time with a hamstring problem.
Manager David Moyes was quick to allay the fears of a long term absence after the match, although this weekend’s trip to Anfield come yet come too soon.
Now, Thomas has provided a further update on the man with three goals this term in six matches: ”We should know by Thursday [at] the latest the extent of the injury, whether it’s serious or whether it’s just he’ll miss a game or two.”
The journalist was positive on the outcome: ”The initial reaction is that he should be fine for Liverpool but again, we’ll know more later in the week.”
There is no doubt Antonio’s presence has become a huge part of Moyes’ side’s style, his relentless running and improved numbers in front of goal have been integral in the turnaround in fortunes since lockdown.
A fact Thomas is all too aware of: “When he came off, you sort of saw the difference in our performance, because, in my opinion, I thought we were a lot more defensive when Antonio came off. We were a little bit slow in terms of our approach on the counter-attack, so you can sort of see the sort of struggles we have going forward. So, hopefully, it won’t be a long-term one.”
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The Irons have become somewhat reliant on the influential striker in an attacking sense and with currently only Sebastien Haller as a backup, who has struggled for goals, the availability of Antonio is crucial.
West Ham face a Liverpool side, although reigning champions have a host of defensive injury problems and the East Lodnonders can be confident of picking up a positive result, especially if Antonio makes the trip.
