Ex-WHU Employee has been speaking on the latest edition of the West Ham Way podcast about all things relating to West Ham United.
One of the topics that he spent some time on was the Hammers’ injury situation, and he provided a positive update on Arthur Masuaku, Aaron Cresswell, Declan Rice and Michail Antonio.
Antonio suffered a hamstring injury and was expected to be out for the season, but Ex seems to think the 31-year-old, along with Rice, is ahead of schedule on his road to recovery.
He said: (38:38) “I believe that both Antonio and Rice are well ahead of schedule.
“Now I knew that Rice was, but I wasn’t so sure [on] Antonio, but word from my sources are that he could be ahead of schedule as well. Now, Burnley probably comes too soon; I would suggest for both Antonio and Rice.
(39:10) “With Antonio, I don’t actually have an answer either way of an estimated date, but all I was told is he is way ahead of schedule, which is really good.”
Do you think Antonio will be back soon?
Yes, it looks that way
No, he won't play again this season
TIF Thoughts on Antonio…
Given that Antonio is West Ham’s only natural striker, you would think the quicker they get him back, the better.
In 21 league games this season, Antonio has scored seven goals and provided a further five assists.
However, injuries have hit him hard this season, and as a result, he has missed 12 league games in which the Hammers have won five.
Despite this, though, we think that West Ham could do with Antonio back in their squad for their final push to secure European football next season.
The Hammers have lost their last two league games but are still in a good position, and the return of Antonio could help West Ham as he is their third-top league goalscorer.
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