West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is undergoing a second scan today after yesterday’s scan appeared to show a potential tear.
The Lowdown: Antonio’s injury
During West Ham’s emphatic 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, the 31-year-old’s game came to a premature end, subbed off in the 52nd minute due to an injury.
Luckily, the issue did not appear to involve his hamstring, which he has struggled with in the past. Instead, he pointed to his thigh, before being replaced by Andriy Yarmolenko.
Despite failing to score in his previous nine league games, Antonio remains West Ham’s second top scorer this season, with his ten goals trailing only Jarrod Bowen’s 12.
With the Irons set to face Sevilla in their Europa League return-leg on Thursday, this injury would come as a huge blow to David Moyes.
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The Latest: Antonio’s scan
According to West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh, Antonio is set to undergo a second scan today, as the first scan, taken Monday, appeared to show a tear.
If this injury is confirmed by the second scan, the striker could be sidelined for four to six weeks, dealing the Hammers a big blow ahead of their upcoming clash against Sevilla.
A six-week absence would rule Antonio out of the next six games, including matches against London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham.
The Verdict: Could be huge
Previously described by Harry Redknapp as a “frightening” attacker, who’s “a threat to any defence”, Antonio’s absence will come as a huge blow for Moyes, given the fact that the Jamaica international is the only senior striker at the east London club.
Consequently, Moyes may have to play a winger in the role, with this season’s star man Jarrod Bowen hoping to return in time for Thursday.
However, looking beyond Sevilla, this could harm West Ham’s chances of a top four push, with a lack of options being a real contributor to the evident fatigue amongst the Irons squad.
In other news: West Ham United: Irons interested in Joe Gomez