Football Insider
·9 December 2019
Football Insider
·9 December 2019
Michail Antonio has been given the all-clear to play for West Ham against Arsenal tonight, Football Insider understands.
The versatile attacker missed the Hammers’ defeat to Wolves last Wednesday with a groin strain after making a huge impact in the previous two fixtures.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider that Antonio has fully recovered and is set to be named in the squad for the London Stadium clash against Arsenal this evening.
Manuel Pellegrini must decide whether to slot Antonio straight back into the starting XI, possibly as the spearhead of the attack.
The 29-year-old was a shock choice to lead the front line against Chelsea nine days ago and produced an impressive display in a 1-0 win, the club’s only
Sebastien Haller was restored to the centre-forward starting role at Molineux last Wednesday as West Ham slumped to their sixth defeat in eight league matches.
Antonio made an instant impact after returning to Pellegrini’s side against Tottenham and Chelsea following three months on the sidelines with injuries.
He scored a superbly taken goal against Spurs and caused their defence problems with his power and physical attributes.
With record signing Haller dropped to the bench at Stamford Bridge, Antonio ran the Chelsea defence ragged as West Ham secured a memorable 1-0 win.
The Irons’ coaching staff are wary of pushing the Nottingham Forest man too hard, given he is still working his way back from a serious injury.
Antonio, who has played in multiple positions, including centre-forward, attacking midfield and full-back for West Ham, was sorely missed during his absence.
In other West Ham news, it can be REVEALED that a senior man is ready to resign amid MAJOR boardroom rumblings.