West Ham United insider @ExWHUemployee has recently provided an injury update on the Hammers’ English striker Michail Antonio.
During the upcoming round of Premier League fixtures, the Hammers host Graham Potter’s Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon (per Transfermarkt).
Going into the match at the London Stadium, it seems unclear if Antonio will feature with the forward having missed the Irons’ previous four top-flight games.
The last time the 30-year-old Englishman turned out for the Hammers, it was for 45 minutes only during the 2-1 victory against Aston Villa.
In the latest episode of The West Ham Way Podcast, @ExWHUemployee discussed several injured West Ham players and provided an update on Antonio. (50:08)
He said: “In terms of the Brighton game, there’s talk that Antonio may be available for that match.
“Personally, I wouldn’t risk it because it feels like what it did the first time this season – that we’re rushing him back.
“I do understand why they’re doing that because we are, regardless of what people say, whether it’s us not playing to [Sebastien] Haller’s strengths or whatever excuse you want to make for him, we are a better team with Antonio in it.
“So, I understand why they’re rushing him back but I don’t think we should do that.”
TIF Thoughts on @ExWHUemployee’s update on Michail Antonio…
As can be seen in what the in-the-know podcaster had to say, he believes there is a chance that Antonio could be back in contention for the match against the Seagulls.
Should Antonio play against Brighton if he is not 100% fit?
No, we shouldn't rush
Yes, we need him in
Over seven appearances in the league this season, Antonio has been West Ham’s second-best performer with a 7.12/10 average rating (per WhoScored).
So, it seems likely that Hammers fans would be keen to have the forward back as soon as possible, however, it would be better for the club to act with caution.
Antonio was out of action for the three league games prior to the Villa match and after only 45 minutes of football he has missed a further four, so, perhaps he should be steadily reintroduced.