This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness.
Michail Antonio is available for West Ham United, ahead of their match against Arsenal on Monday night, as reported by Football Insider.
What’s the story?
The 29-year-old was forced to miss West Ham’s loss at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers, due to a groin injury.
This will have come as a blow for both the player and team, as the versatile attacker had only played twice after missing out on nine Premier League games, having been forced off in the cup win against Newport County.
However, he has been deemed fully fit to face Arsenal, in a game that could see West Ham draw level with the Gunners on points if they win.
A massive boost
This is a massive boost for Manuel Pellegrini and his side, with the two games that Antonio did partake in offering an indication of what he can be capable of producing.
When he came on at half time against Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio scored the team’s first goal in what was a shambolic performance before that point, making a well-played dummy before firing the ball into the back of the net.
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He was then picked ahead of Sebastien Haller to start against Chelsea, making his presence known again as he completed all three of his attempted dribbles, won 14 duels and had two shots on target.
With these two performances in mind, it will certainly be a boost for West Ham’s chances of victory that he is available, whether he starts on the pitch or comes off the bench.
In other news, a West Ham starlet could be about to get more first-team opportunities.