West Ham are maintaining high hopes that Michail Antonio will be ready to return from his hamstring problem for the visit to Sheffield United after the international break.

The 30 year old has been on an exercise bike and is typically, working desperately hard to ensure he plays a part at Bramall Lane on November 22.

The Hammers and Mikey will welcome the international break for once this time as it gives the player decent time to make his own target of playing a role against the Blades.

We were told this morning that things are going well with the striker and that hopes are high he will feature in the  match.

But thsat represents bleak news for Seb Haller who may only have one game – that against Fulham this weekend – to show that he can compete for the role up front.

And he may have even less time as it’s possible the manager will decide to go with Andriy Yarmolenk after he showed the sort of energy he demands when arriving off the bench against Liverpool.