West Ham forward Michail Antonio is still a doubt for Monday night’s game against Arsenal, after manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed they are still waiting to see whether the 29-year-old can recover his fitness.
It was originally claimed that the Hammers had rested Antonio for the 2-0 defeat against Wolves on Wednesday evening but it appears the winger actually sustained a groin strain.
Supporters on Twitter are frustrated with the club’s injury record:
Course he is. Teams like Leicester and Wolves always go through without injuries and we get it week in week out. Sick and tired of it.
— ⚒⚒ Lewis John ⚒⚒ (@ClaretBluBlood) December 6, 2019
So wasn’t just rested then ?♂️
— Can’t defend or stay fit FC (@aplin87) December 6, 2019
Dont rush him back
Save for southampton then we have a break— hammerhead (@larryberyl) December 6, 2019
Great
— Lee Woolward (@Leewoolward) December 6, 2019
But this is a West Ham groin strain mate. As we know, if it’s a week out anywhere else it’s a month out at West Ham.
— Alan Reynolds ⚒ (@alanreynoldswhu) December 6, 2019
I’d like to think it’s under raps so Arsenal don’t know
— Steve Davis (@RUsureIsaidthat) December 6, 2019
?♂️
— Benjamin Booker (@benjyrocks89) December 4, 2019
To much disco dancing?
— Chris Martin (@Im_tired_again) December 4, 2019
Antonio had been out for three months before returning to the starting line up against Chelsea last week, and players are generally more prone to picking up injuries immediately after a long injury layoff.
The fact that Pellegrini is being coy regarding the player’s fitness does suggest he is unlikely to start against the Gunners. With Sebastien Haller struggling for form at the moment, fans will be hoping Antonio can recover quickly in order to play some part in the game.