West Ham forward Michail Antonio is back in full training nearly 3 months after being sidelined with a knee injury.
The 33-year-old hasn’t played since picking up the problem on international duty with Jamaica back in November.
Antonio did have a setback in his recovery last month but he is now poised to return to the first-team squad and fans on X are happy to have him available again:
Finally π πβπ«§
β π«§β Dunc9 β𫧠(@WHU99) February 7, 2024
Hat trick against Arsenal please ππΌ
β Irons βοΈβοΈ (@HammerFromDevon) February 6, 2024
YESSSSS
β HP (@HarrisonPugh1) February 6, 2024
Can he at least be on the bench on Sunday.
β Peter M β (@westham_boy1958) February 6, 2024
If Antonio is back and fit, I’d have him straight back into the starting 11 βοΈ.
β Jack (@JackMcM72) February 6, 2024
He’s back!!!!
β Odinπππ€΄π₯π (@RuleroftheAesir) February 6, 2024
Yesterday he was a pundit today heβs at trainingπΈ
β Geeroze (@Cultureroze) February 6, 2024
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THE MAN IS COMING BACK
β Lukas πͺπͺ (@lukasapz) February 6, 2024
Amzing..!!
β Azan Rajper (@rajper_wasi) February 6, 2024
Will Antonio be ready to face Arsenal?
There is very little chance that the forward will be fit to start against the Gunners this weekend, having spent so long on the treatment table.
However, manager David Moyes may well be tempted to put him on the bench so he can be used as an impact substitute in the closing stages of the game.
A West Ham injury update
Alphonse Areola was substituted at half-time against Manchester United last weekend after he picked up a head injury in a clash with teammate Kurt Zouma.
However, Moyes confirmed after the match that the Frenchman was taken off as a precaution and he should be fit to start against Arsenal on Sunday.
Lucas Paqueta is not expected to feature. The Brazilian international is closing on his return from a calf injury but he is not ready to make his comeback quite yet.