West Ham United’s only striker Michail Antonio is a doubt for tonight’s massive game against Sheffield United.
May the fourth be with you as path is cleared for West Ham, Moyes must take advantage
David Moyes has been left in the farcical situation of having just one senior forward.
And that man, injury prone Antonio, has been confirmed as touch and go for the game.
Hammers can reclaim fourth spot by blunting Blades
West Ham can reclaim fourth place with a win over Chris Wilder’s basement boys.
But the Blades will be no pushovers having improved dramatically in recent weeks.
And West Ham may have to make do without Antonio after the striker ‘felt his hamstrings’ in training ahead of the game.
Moyes said in his press conference that Antonio was ‘doing well’ and suggested he would make the game.
Moyes suggested Antonio would be fit for Sheffield United
“He (Antonio) is doing well,” Moyes said in his Friday conference (whufc.com).
“He’s done a little bit on the grass and we’re trying to get him back quickly, so hopefully he will be very close for the weekend.”
But now West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has offered a depressing update, claiming Antonio would be the subject of a late fitness test if he is to have a chance of playing.
“We will be giving mate fitness tests to Antonio, (Fabian) Balbuena and Issa Diop tomorrow to see if they will be available for the Sheffield United game,” ExWHUemployee said on his Patreon site.
Insider ExWHUemployee says striker faces late fitness test after ‘feeling his hamstrings in training’
“Antonio felt his hamstrings again in training this week and has been trying to nurse them in order to be available for the game tomorrow.”
Should Antonio fail to make the game, it leaves Moyes with a huge dilemma.
His supposed “back-up” Andriy Yarmolenko is out for the foreseeable future with a knee injury.
Not that he had shown any evidence of being able to play that position against top opposition.
So Moyes may be forced to operate a false nine system like Manchester City.
Jesse Lingard would be the obvious candidate given Moyes has already said he could be used in that role if needed.
Another consideration could be Tomas Soucek, but he offers more arriving late as well as being a key partner for Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
West Ham fans will be keeping everything crossed for some good news ahead of tonight’s 6pm kick-off.
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