When asked by a supporter on social media if there is any chance striker Michail Antonio could be back in contention for West Ham as they gear up to face Newcastle United this weekend, club insider ExWHUemployee dropped a bleak five-word response (Twitter).

ExWHUemployee drops damning five-word injury claim

Antonio, who is currently out injured with hamstring trouble, has been at the centre of some reports claiming he could be out for the rest of this campaign (The Guardian).

David Moyes, however, has remained cryptic surrounding his injury and has not put a timescale on his return or shared any intricate details on Antonio's recovery in the manager's latest press conferences.

Possibly as a result, one supporter optimistically enquired whether Antonio could be available as soon as the Newcastle game this weekend - with ExWHUemployee dropping the damning five-word message 'I don't think so mate' in response.

Transfer Tavern take

West Ham managed to cope fairly well without Antonio's presence during their last outing against Leicester City, with Jarrod Bowen proving deadly in the striker role.

The Englishman notched a goal during the nervy 3-2 win and assisted Jesse Lingard for his second of the afternoon (West Ham official).

If the 24-year-old continues to display that effectiveness going forward, Moyes will be relieved that his decision not to sign a striker in January may not come back to haunt him.

In other news: West Ham are interested in this towering colossus, find out more here.