West Ham Pair Michail Antonio & Angelo Ogbonna Back in Training After Injuries
By Max Cooper
West Ham United could welcome back key duo Michail Antonio and Angelo Ogbonna for their clash with Sheffield United on 22 November, with the pair working hard to return to full fitness over the international break.
The Hammers have been without star striker Antonio since he suffered a hamstring strain during a 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the end of October, while centre-back Ogbonna was forced off during the recent 1-0 victory over Fulham.
The pair are vital to coach David Moyes' side, and the Scotsman will be desperate to have them back as soon as possible. According to Football.London, his prayers could be available earlier than expected. It is believed that the duo are making great progress in their recoveries, and could be ready to take to the field as early as next Sunday's tie with the Blades at Bramall Lane.
Both players have been critical to West Ham's turnaround in form since the start of the season, with Antonio continuing his electric form in front of goal and Ogbonna helping to tighten up a previously leaky backline.
And the Italy international is in contention to slot straight back into the heart of the defence against Chris Wilder's struggling Sheffield United, having left the field prematurely with a groin strain against Fulham.
His injury seems to be healing rapidly, and the Irons are growing in confidence that the defender will be ready to do battle when the time comes next weekend. As for Antonio, there is more of a cautious optimism surrounding his development.
The 30-year-old is making great strides to secure his return to the starting lineup, but Moyes will be anxious not to throw him into the deep end after suffering such a precarious strain. Hamstring injuries can haunt players if not treated properly, and for a striker as explosive as Antonio, he needs to be fully fit in order to operate at his devilish peak.