West Ham could find an unexpected source of motivation in Michail Antonio's car crash when they face Wolves on Monday night, as suggested by the striker's ex-boss Martin Allen. Antonio is currently recovering from a fractured lower limb after his Ferrari was involved in a serious accident in Essex on Saturday.
The harrowing incident left him dazed and trapped inside his £260,000 vehicle for almost an hour while emergency services worked tirelessly to extricate him from the mangled car.
West Ham have confirmed that Antonio will remain under hospital care, with his condition being closely observed in the coming days. The forward has been flooded with well-wishes from across the football world and will undoubtedly be in the hearts and minds of all at the London Stadium come Monday night as the Hammers engage in a pivotal Premier League clash with Wolves.
Allen, who managed Antonio during a loan spell at Cheltenham Town from Reading in 2009, penned a heartfelt note to the player on X. "Michail Antonio has been awesome for West Ham over these last few years," he expressed in his tribute.
"I took him on loan and used to give him lifts home to London after the matches home and away to see his family. He's a diamond bloke and after wiping away a few tears I hope he makes a full recovery.
"Today would have been a real tough day at the training ground. The shock of a team mate in hospital. To prepare mentally for this game will be tough for the players and manager. Let's hope MA can be inspirational to all of us supporters, his team mates and the manager.
"West Ham United will win tomorrow night. I'm sure this tough weekend will galvanise the players, manager and staff. Also, after a testing time, I think the West Ham United supporters will unite and do everything they can to support the players and manager. It's got to be."
The Jamaica Football Federation released a statement saying: "At this moment in time, on behalf of West Ham United and the Jamaica Football Federation we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family."
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren extended his best wishes, stating: "Head coach of the Reggae Boyz Steve McClaren gave well wishes to Michael on behalf of the Reggae Boyz. 'On behalf of the entire group of players, support staff and technical staff, I would like to wish Michail a speedy recovery. Our thoughts, and prayers are with him at this time'."
Following their 3-1 defeat by Leicester on Wednesday, where Antonio featured as a substitute, West Ham find themselves in 14th place in the Premier League. Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui is facing immense pressure to secure a victory against 19th-placed Wolves, whose own manager Gary O'Neil is also battling to keep his position.