Insider report: West Ham hopeful that Michail Antonio will feature tonight

Add as preferred source on Google

West Ham hope to have Michail Antonio fit to face Arsenal tonight, according to trusted club insider EXWHUEmployee.

Antonio is in West Ham’s squad for the Monday night clash with Arsenal after he missed the midweek game against Wolves. West Ham hope the powerful attacker will be fit enough to be included tonight.

Michail Antonio could boost West Ham

The 29-year-old has missed most of this season with an injury and this has hampered West Ham’s progress. But he recently made his return to action and immediately impressed.

Antonio came off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur, scoring and causing all sorts of problems in the 3-2 loss. Then, he started as a striker against Chelsea and was a nuisance all game. His goal was ruled out for VAR but he inspired the Irons to a 1-0 win.

But he was removed late in the game at Stamford Bridge. Initially, it was considered precautionary. However, Antonio was then missing from the West Ham team who lost 2-0 against Wolves on Wednesday night.

West Ham are confident that he will make his return tonight. It remains to be seen whether Manuel Pellegrini will throw him straight back into the starting line-up or keep him as a bench option.

Nathan Holland unlikely to start

On Wednesday, Nathan Holland was called into the West Ham squad to replace Antonio. The 21-year-old travelled up with the first-team and had a little run-out on the left-wing as West Ham chased an equaliser.

Holland has been in excellent form for the U23s and deserves a chance to stake his place. But club insider EXWHUEmployee says he will not start. The former Everton winger might be on the bench, though.