West Ham manager David Moyes has confirmed that Michail Antonio should be available to face Tottenham tomorrow.
The 30-year-old has missed the last two games with a muscular injury but, after three days of full training, Moyes is confident that the forward will be fit to start the London derby.
There was a mixed reaction to the news on Twitter with some fans believing Antonio shouldn’t be risked, while others are keen for him to be named in the eleven:
Rest him
— ⚒ (@billy_whufc) February 19, 2021
Hattrick announced
— FPL Knight (@knight_fpl) February 19, 2021
I still wouldn’t start him, I’d play the same team we played againest Sheffield but swap lanzini for Benrahma and bring antonio on in the 60/70th minute
— Harley (@Harley18WHU) February 19, 2021
We need all the firepower we can get ??
— GH (@Ramsgatehammer) February 19, 2021
I would still not play him because he still needs this rest.
You could put him on the bench and let him have the last 15 minutes but if you do that we could have a problem of his hamstring going again #GSBOUT ⚒— Dean Smith (@smudgerdc) February 19, 2021
Start with the same team as last week but Benrahma in for Lanzini. Can’t rush Antonio back and he’s a good option off the bench
— Antonio Fanelli (@Antonio94024912) February 19, 2021
It will be the manager’s call but, considering Antonio’s fitness record, it’s probably wise to err on the side of caution. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he was selected on the substitute’s bench and given 20 or 30 minutes to make an impression on the game if required.
With the Hammers having scored three goals in their last match against Sheffield United, they should be able to cope without Antonio if he isn’t ready to start.
