Michail Antonio will be available for the game against Burnley immediately after the international break.
The Hammer of the Year limped off after 28 minutes against Spurs to be replaced by Andy Carroll – an injury which most agreed changed the game.
Early fears that Antonio had suffered a hamstring injury were shown to be unfounded after the game and Claretandhugh was told this morning that the issue is with his groin.
But we were told: “He should be okay after seven days and available for the game at Turf Moor. It’s a big relief as obviously it was worrying.”
Antonio had been feeling the issue during the week but declared himself fit before the match and although he was not at his absolute best, the team was coping admirably and holding a great shape until he was forced off.
However, it now appears that the injury was minor and that the main man will be back to terrorise the Clarets 🙂
Relief. The deciding factor to this season -given the thin squad- is going to be whether key players stay fit. Until this year I would have included Carroll in the list but I think he Iis now an impact player at best. So the key players in my book are Antonio, Lanzini, Hernandez, Kouyate. I am hoping Arnautovich & Sakho join that list but jury still out. Unfortunately I don’t think we have an outstanding defender although Zabaleta maybe halfway there.
With Lanzini out for however long, we can ill afford to lose Antonio for even 1 game. I don’t see Ayew as a very good replacement, but who else is there? ( haksabanovic? Holland? )
Not a nice situation for someone hoping to save his job.
Missing Feghouli who scored a wonder strike yesterday and had great attitude wanted to wear the shirt and would be class sqaud player.
I’m glad Antonio came off tho bc don’t want a reapeat of Swansea last season.
For me if its true he was only 70% said he wouldn’t be able to play 90m big risk yes big game but Manager can keep player from coming on.
Just hope it is his groin & short term.
Brings up the question of our training as well are the boys not running like Ox said Niasse etc. Need to be Match fit
Valencia not Niasse sorry
Where did the hamstring issue come from. It was obvious at the game that it was groin. Fishes, would much sooner see Sakho play down the right. For that matter, anyone rather than Ayew who I believe should be nowhere near the bench, let alone the pitch. Stick with Hernandez as striker with Carroll as impact sub only. Also, Masuaku in ahead of Cresswell every time – Cressy was missing for most of Saturday’s game. Finally, Obiang in for Noble and I think we would be a match for most PL sides.