Michail Antonio Tipped to Return for West Ham Sooner Than Expected
By Ali Rampling
West Ham forward Michail Antonio has been tipped to return to action sooner than expected after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Hammers' 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Antonio has been one of the Premier League's standout performers following football's return after lockdown, hitting 11 top flight goals since June.
After netting a stunning overhead kick against City on 24 October, the forward was forced off with a hamstring problem and was expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks, keeping him out of action until early December.
However, according to Football Insider, Antonio is making positive progress with his recovery and rehabilitation and is targeting a first team return straight after the international break.
He will still miss Saturday's home match against Fulham, but is eyeing up a comeback for West Ham's visit to Sheffield United on 22 October. The news will be music to the ears of David Moyes and the West Ham faithful, with Antonio an influential part of the Hammers' side since the Scot rejoined the club.
The 30-year-old hit double figures for the first time in his top flight career during the 2019/20 season - including all four during West Ham's 4-0 demolition of Norwich in July.
He has carried on from where he left off this term, averaging a goal every other game after finding the net three times in six outings.
Antonio has spent much of his career playing in all manner of positions - from winger to fullback - but has established himself as a vital part of the West Ham team as a central striker.
It is not just his goals West Ham were expected to miss in his absence; the former Nottingham Forest man has become crucial in the way Moyes' side play, forming an exciting front three with Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals.