West Ham United could be without a trio of star men - including ex-Wednesday man - when they face Sheffield United this weekend

West Ham United will not gamble on the fitness of Michail Antonio when they travel to Sheffield United this weekend, despite hoping that the former Sheffield Wednesday forward would recover from a hamstring injury in time to face Chris Wilder's side.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Antonio damaged a hamstring last month and has missed the Hammers' last two games, but is reported to have made good progress in his recovery over the two-week international break.

With three goals in his six Premier League games so far, Antonio's prescence would be a big boost for United's weekend opponents. David Moyes, Chris Wilder's counterpart at the London Stadium, will definitely be without Andriy Yarmolenko at Bramall Lane after the Ukranian tested positive for Covid-19, and will also hope that defender Angelo Ogbonna wins his own battle for fitness after battling a suspected calf strain.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And while the Italian international is thought to have a better chance of facing United, Moyes will resist the temptation to thrust Antonio back into action early - and risk damaging his hamstring further.

United, of course, have some injury issues of their own to contend with.

Striker Lys Mousset hasn't played a minute of competitive action so far this campaign, after injuring his toe in pre-season, while John Fleck has been a more recent absentee after hurting his back on international duty with Scotland.

Both are expected to step up their rehabilitation ahead of the meeting with Moyes' side, as United look for their first win of the Premier League season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both men were initially feared to be sidelined until Christmas, but were recently pictured running without any obvious discomfort at United's training base.

West Ham United's Michail Antonio battles for the ball with Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden (left) and Jamaal Lascelles (right) during the Premier League match at London Stadium. Michael Regan/PAWest Ham United's Michail Antonio battles for the ball with Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden (left) and Jamaal Lascelles (right) during the Premier League match at London Stadium. Michael Regan/PA
West Ham United's Michail Antonio battles for the ball with Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden (left) and Jamaal Lascelles (right) during the Premier League match at London Stadium. Michael Regan/PA

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.