West Ham Michail Antonio
(credit: Imago)
West Ham Zone Speaking to Martin Allen
Thu 6 March 2025 17:10, UK
Michail Antonio has been absent for West Ham since suffering a horrific car crash.
The Jamaica international has been absent for the Hammers since early December but now there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.
It is fair to say that the forward has been missed at the London Stadium but fans have been buoyed by his rehabilitation progress.
Now supporters have begun to speculate as to when the 34-year-old could make his long awaited return to feature under Graham Potter.
West Ham forward Michail Antonio (Credit: Imago)
West Ham could delay Antonio return until preseason
There is no doubt that the Irons have had their problems with injuries in forward areas this season.
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This has seen summer signing Niclas Fullkrug be ruled out for large spells, leaving the East London outfit without a recognised striker at times.
With that being said, having Antonio back could prove to be a useful addition to the squad in E20 and now former Hammer midfielder Martin Allen has speculated when he could make his return and questioned his current contract situation.
“It’s a long process but I do wonder whether it’s a bit early yet, Allen exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“West Ham aren’t going to get relegated, they aren’t getting into Europe, so maybe it would be more sensible to look at a summer of training and a good preseason, then build his body up to support the break he had.
“He is out of contract at the end of the season, I expect West Ham to offer him a new deal on reduced money with a view to getting amounts added for appearances from the bench or the start.
“*He’ll want to get fit as soon as possible, the Nottingham Forest game will be his target, but whether the medical team and manager would want that, I very much doubt it.*“
Michail Antonio
Michail Antonio, West Ham striker [Credit: Imago]
Antonio could miss rest of season at West Ham
If Allen is right in his prediction, Irons fans can look forward to the Jamaican returning during preseason rather than taking a risk before the end of the season.
It is unlikely that there is going to be much to play for at the London Stadium regardless of this, it may prove to be too intense for Antonio to feature if he was to feel fit enough to play before the season ends in May.
3 May 2025 Tottenham (H)
10 May 2025 Manchester United (A)
18 May 2025 Nottingham Forest (H)
25 May 2025 Ipswich Town (A)
West Ham May fixture list
This may come down to the decision of the coaching staff and fitness team as it feels highly likely that the striker will want to return as soon as possible.
It feels more likely that Evan Ferguson will be given the chance to maintain his place in the side until his loan spell ends before re-introducing the former Nottingham Forest back into the side ahead of next campaign.
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