Confusion surrounds Michail Antonio’s call-up for Jamaica but there could be big relief for West Ham United.
David Moyes was facing up to his biggest Antonio worry yet during the October international break.
As West Ham fans know only too well, Antonio is the club’s only proper striker.
And given the 31-year-old’s injury record – particularly his troublesome hamstrings – his switch of allegiance to Jamaica has added an extra layer of stress to West Ham’s striker situation.
Thankfully he returned to West Ham unharmed. But his performance in the club’s next game – a 0-0 draw at Southampton – was laboured and leggy as he grew frustrated and was sent off late on.
Moyes and West Ham’s fans were facing an ever more nail biting October international break after Antonio was called up for Jamaica’s latest squad.
The forward faced playing three games in just six days and would have to embark on another 10,000 mile round trip.
As reported by Hammers News at the weekend, it was unclear what the situation was regarding Antonio as West Ham had not confirmed his selection.
And confusion reigns again this evening after a new article posted on West Ham’s official website listed the club’s nine internationals – with no mention of Antonio.
Quite what the exact situation is remains to be seen.
It could be that Antonio has declined the call-up or West Ham have come to some sort of agreement with Jamaica over their star forward’s participation.
Jamaica are playing catch-up in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
And as a result they face USA in Texas before taking on Canada at home and are then away to Honduras.
Antonio is conspicuous by his absence from West Ham’s announcement.
He may well have a niggle which requires treatment. Or the travel situation may be proving difficult to sort out.
Who knows. Moyes has always said he would never stand in the way of his players representing their countries.
But one thing is for certain there will be huge relief for the Scot and West Ham if Antonio does not end up taking part as it will hopefully ensure he stays injury free and fresh ahead of a manic fixture schedule when club football resumes.
More West Ham news:
History shows West Ham already have one foot in Europa League last 16.
Journalist tells brilliant story behind how West Ham made unusual summer signing.
The uncomfortable truth about Rice and Soucek at West Ham.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
