West Ham forward, Michail Antonio, may have to wait a year before knowing his future in football following a serious car crash that resulted in "serious damage" to one of his legs, according to reports.
The 34 year old was involved in a horrific accident in his Ferrari over the weekend, with images showing the wrecked vehicle in Coppice Row, on the outskirts of Epping Forest, Essex.
Antonio is currently stable and communicating in hospital, but there are concerns he may never play football again after undergoing surgery for a fractured lower limb. TalkSPORT reports that it could be at least 12 months before Antonio has definitive answers about his condition.
The report also suggests that Antonio is preparing for a "long haul recovery" due to the "serious" damage to his leg, but his "very strong physical condition" as a footballer should aid his rehabilitation. The Guardian adds that even in the best-case scenario, the Hammers fear the forward will need to rehab the injury for at least a year.
Antonio has received an outpouring of support from the football community, with Piers Morgan, Gary Lineker and former teammate Jobi McAnuff among those who have paid tribute. His former manager Martin Allen also sent his well wishes in an emotional post.
"Michail Antonio has been a tremendous asset for West Ham over the past few years. I had him on loan and would often give him lifts back to London after matches so he could see his family. He's a top bloke and after shedding a few tears, I hope he makes a full recovery.", reports [the Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/michail-antonio-update-car-crash-34277610).
It is understood that Antonio was trapped in the car for 45 minutes as emergency services worked tirelessly to free him. The Sun reports that his first words after being rescued from the Ferrari were: "Where am I? What's going on? What car am I in? " A statement issued by the club on Sunday stated: "West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon. Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days."
"Everyone at the club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday's news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery. The club will provide further updates when appropriate."
Antonio, who has made 323 appearances for the Hammers since joining in 2015 and is the club's record [Premier League](https://www.nottinghampost.com/all-about/barclays-premier-league) goalscorer, is a much-loved figure at West Ham.