Big Bilic rethink after bitter Chelsea blow

Slaven Bilic is bitterly disappointed that Michail Antonio will be unavailable to unsettle a slowing central defensive partnership at the heart of the Chelsea defence next Monday evening.

The manager believes suspended Antonio would have proved a real handful for Gary Cahill and David Luiz who aren’t the quickest across the ground.

Now, however, he will be relying on Andy Carroll being fit for the game which could see the Hammers closing in or maintaining a run of form they hope can help them into a top eight finishing position.

ClaretandHugh was told Carroll was “certain” to be available for the game but he can’t possibly be at peak match fitness after failing to appear since the game against Southampton at the beginning of the month.

And that leaves manager Bilic with just Jonathon Callieri and forgotten man Ashley Fletcher as options as support strikers

Calleri has made little impact in his various appearances as sub whilst Fletcher failed to make the squad on Saturday at Watford and hasn’t been seen since an appearance against Manchester City on February 1.

We were told: “Michail would have been key to the Chelsea match and could have proved a proper handful for Luiz and Cahill with his pace as neither of them are the quickest.

“It’s a big blow and presents the manager with an issue which will need some creative thinking!”