West Ham United manager David Moyes has given an injury update on Michail Antonio ahead of their trip to Sheffield United.
The Blades host West Ham at Bramall Lane in the Premier League on Sunday, with their opponents sweating on the fitness of their star man.
Antonio has been struggling with a hamstring problem and has not played since the Hammers’ 1-1 draw with Manchester City on October 24 as a result.
The forward scored a superb goal in that match and has netted three times in six league games this season.
Having Antonio to lead the line at the weekend would be a big boost for Moyes.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
“He’s back doing training. We’ve got a couple of days yet to see how he is,” the 57-year-old said in his pre-match press conference.
“The truth is I couldn’t give you a complete answer, but he’s getting much closer that’s for sure.”
Antonio injury update gives West Ham hope
The 30-year-old has proven himself to be a key player for the Hammers in 2020.
Antonio has scored 12 goals in 21 league matches since the turn of the year and stretches even the best defences.
The attacker’s goals this term, for instance, have come against Arsenal, Leicester City and Man City. They have three of the best defensive records in the top flight in 2020/21.
Moyes explains just what Antonio offers his side.
“What Michy Antonio has done for us in the last few months and even after lockdown, his form has been so good,” The Scot continued.
“He can run in behind or hold the ball up.
“His all-round play as a centre-forward’s improved brilliantly, so if we can get him back it’d be great.
“But at the moment we’re just not quite sure if he’s ready yet.”
The Blades will be hoping that Antonio doesn’t feature on Sunday as they chase their first win of the season.
Having faced Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool in their last three games before the international break, they will be viewing this as a very winnable fixture.
However, their task of picking up a first three points of the campaign will be made a lot more difficult if Antonio does play.
