1 month ago
10 West Ham have suffered a big blow with Michail Antonio expected to be out of action for at least a month.
The Hammers’ key man picked up a hamstring injury in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City and scans have shown it is worse than first feared.
Antonio is in great form and his absence will be a huge loss for the east London clubGetty Images - Getty
David Moyes is now braced to be without one of his most influential players for a lengthy spell, starting with Saturday’s trip to Premier League champions Liverpool.
talkSPORT understands he is facing more than four weeks on the sidelines, although Moyes retains hope he will be back sooner.
In his press conference ahead of the Anfield clash, the Hammers boss said: “We don’t think it’s too bad but he’s out of this game, that’s for sure.”
The versatile 30-year-old has been in outstanding form in a central forward role since football returned in June, following a 100-day hiatus, scoring 11 goals in 13 games.
This season he has played a key role, netting three times in six Premier League appearances as the Hammers have taken many by surprise with their impressive performances.
Moyes’ side have had a tough run of fixtures to start the campaign but have picked up eight points and improved considerably in recent weeks.
After losing their opening two games to Newcastle and Arsenal, West Ham beat Wolves and Leicester and drew with Tottenham and Man City.
Moyes underlined just how important Antonio was while speaking to talkSPORT after the draw with Man City on Saturday, in which he scored his third of the campaign.
He said: “It was a great goal. Micky (Antonio) has become so important, a bit like Marko Arnautovic was a couple of years ago when we were here.
“We needed somebody to get us goals and play up front in a way to get us up the pitch. Micky can do that because he’s powerful and quick.”
You can listen to Liverpool vs West Ham this Saturday live on talkSPORT, kick off 5.30pm
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