Speaking to the press (via football.london) before Monday night's away trip to Burnley, West Ham United boss David Moyes has refused to rule out a return for striker Michail Antonio as he drops a message.

Antonio has been on the sidelines since suffering a hamstring injury during the win at Wolverhampton Wanderers early last month, and there were real fears he could miss the rest of the season (The Guardian).

However, updates from within the club have emerged recently, including one from ExWHUemployee saying the 31-year-old is in fact 'way ahead of schedule' and could be back sooner than expected (Twitter).

Now, Irons gaffer Moyes has dropped his own message on the situation and refuses to rule out a return for Antonio as soon as Monday evening.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/copy-2/" title="(Copy)" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

When asked if Antonio could be fit for Burnley, he replied:

"He is working with the physios on the grass, so I would not rule him out yet, but I do not want to rule him in so let's hope that he has a chance."

Transfer Tavern take

The forward returning as soon as their visit to Turf Moor could come as a pretty seismic boost as the Hammers continue their quest to qualify for an unprecedented European place.

Indeed, West Ham still have a chance to secure a spot in the Champions League and Antonio's return would present a gift for Moyes given his contribution.

His fine form earlier this season earned him a new deal at the London Stadium, with the Englishman having bagged seven goals and five assists in the Premier League this season (WhoScored).

Only sensational loanee Jesse Lingard has averaged more shots per 90 than Antonio over 2020/2021 and Harry Redknapp is a huge fan.

The former Tottenham boss called him 'frightening' when speaking to Sky (via Football Daily), and Moyes could really do with his influence during the business end of the campaign.

In other news: West Ham told asking price for 'phenomenal' forward, find out more here.