Depressing Irons news creates January player demand

News that Mikey Antonio has a new hamstring injury could hardly be more depressing!

The big fella made what some thought was too quick a return to action against Aston Villa and frankly they appear to be right – the guy was never at the races and operated at half pace throughout the first 45 minutes.

We haven’t looked in the same sort of form without him over the last three games despite taking nine points and it’s becoming sadly clear that signing a backup striker in January we may need a back up to the backup.

Mikey has been on special hamstring programme for some time and although the manager refused o do anything other than offer a fingers cross “it’s not too bad” message at his presser the situation is now becoming a worry.

Last week we were led to believe he was okay but he was way off the pace – hammies can’t be hurried and that makes the need for a striker or two even more intense in January.

Josh King is known to be on the list of targets although the manager does sometimes have a habit of enjoying second thoughts!

But if we are to be plunged into uncertainty over Antonio’s availability each week then, if we are to progress,  it looks very much as though both he and one other could be required.

Antonio – in his recent form is virtually irreplaceable and we can only hope and pray he will make another full recovery but it’s the word ‘another’ which is the problem.

We really can’t allow ourselves to go to the end of the season hoping Haller remains fit should he prove himself up to the job.

Quite simply money will have to be found for one – or perhaps even two – striker next month

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon