Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee believes the Hammers are currently missing what Michail Antonio can offer the side. The Sky Sports pundit thinks that the 29-year-old’s return to fitness could be a huge boost for the club:

“We need that option although let’s be honest, Michail Antonio is a big miss. The two of them are excellent together and hopefully, it won’t be long before the big fella is back – we’ve missed him far more than has been mentioned so far.”

Antonio has been out with a hamstring injury since August after picking up the problem in the opening minutes of the 2-0 win over Newport County. The winger is, though, closing in on a return to fitness.

At his pre-match press conference today, manager Manuel Pellegrini revealed that Antonio could be back in full training after the next international break later this month, much earlier than expected.

It means the forward could well be in contention for West Ham’s game against Tottenham at the London Stadium on 23rd November. His return could come at a critical time of the season, with the Irons facing Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal in the space of 16 days.