Former Premier League manager Neil Warnock has claimed West Ham ace Michail Antonio could make a return in ‘two to three weeks’ following an injury scare.
The 31-year-old had to be replaced in the second half of the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, sparking fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
It has since been revealed that the Hammers were ‘hopeful’ regarding the frontman as well as the regarding the injury suffered by Aaron Cresswell.
Injury update from West Ham where Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell joined Nikola Vlasic in the treatment room. Jarrod Bowen a major doubt for midweek, the club more hopeful over the other three #WHUFC https://t.co/qLzgq8xPdv
— Tom Clark (@_thomasjclark) March 14, 2022
Speaking on talkSPORT (March 14 12.50pm), as host Jim White confirmed that Antonio was set to undergo a scan on an adductor issue, Warnock was positive over the timeframe.
When you just slip or catch it wrong, or shoot, you can actually recover in two weeks, but usually, it’s 3-4 weeks then can recover with all the top medical support. Hopefully, it won’t be long. I think he’s so instrumental. I think he’s got everything for what they want. He’s not a natural target man, but the effort he puts in, makes defenders frightened.
Prior to this setback, the powerful striker had enjoyed a clean bill of health this season.
Antonio has netted 10 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Here’s hoping for a swift recovery, albeit it would seem the clash with Sevilla may come too soon for the £10.8million valued ace.
Likely to be without Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, Angelo Ogbonna, Vladimir Coufal and with major doubts over Cresswell, what was already a tough assignment has been made all the more difficult.
Sunday’s goal-scoring hero Andriy Yarmolenko could be asked to lead the line in place of the Jamaican, whilst Ryan Fredericks will be needed at right-back.
Ultimately, these issues are mounting up at exactly the inopportune moment for Moyes and could cost West Ham a place amongst Europe’s elite next term.
