Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg claims Michail Antonio could miss four months

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West Ham could be without Michail Antonio for up to four months. According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Antonio might need an operation after sustaining a hamstring injury last night.

Antonio was subbed off after just eight minutes against Newport County and replaced by Felipe Anderson. The Hammers winger has picked up a hamstring injury and he could be out for three or four months if he has to undergo surgery.

This will be a major blow for Manuel Pellegrini’s plans. Antonio has featured in all three of West Ham’s Premier League games and he made a game-changing impact off the bench against Watford last weekend. The 29-year-old might now miss out until the end of 2019.

How do West Ham cope with Michail Antonio’s absence?

Antonio’s absence will be sorely felt. He is strong, physical, direct, quick and a handful for defenders. But luckily, Pellegrini does have other players he can turn to while Antonio recovers.

This presents a major opportunity for Andriy Yarmolenko, who is still getting back to full fitness after last year’s serious injury. Robert Snodgrass will be eager to get into the side too while youngster Nathan Holland could be in line for a promotion if he continues to shine for the U23s.

Alternatively, Manuel Lanzini could play out wide to accommodate either Jack Wilshere or Pablo Fornals in the middle. Pellegrini might also consider a change of shape, playing either Javier Hernandez or Albian Ajeti alongside Sebastien Haller and making his midfield narrower.

But one thing is for certain: West Ham will miss Antonio. There is not another player who is quite so explosive, unpredictable and relentless. Hopefully the injury is not as bad as first feared. He could be like a new signing when he returns.