Mikey Antonio’s position is so confusing

Mikey Antonio’s position is so confusing.

Far be it from me to accuse anyone of being economical with the truth, but the latest Hammers bulletin on Michail Antonio does not sound to be entirely on the case. The No 9 – despite his loss of form – has shown in the past he can come back into it at any time and should injury intervene with any of those up front he has to be a better bet than a certain Danny Ings.

Let’s get to the point, Mikey hasn’t been seen since November 12 when he was involved against Nottingham Forest before suffering a knee ligament injury during the international break which ended just over a month ago. A week into that we were told categorically it was a minor issue and that he should be back within a couple of weeks yet there’s still no sign of him with David Moyes declaring: “Michail Antonio is not ready yet.”

Ahead of that, in an exclusive comment to Claret and Hugh, our main source explained: “The truth is, however, that the manager is unlikely to use him given the circumstances we are in with Jarrod and Mohammed.” That sounds a lot more like the truth from where I am standing.

Don’t accuse me of making a big deal out of this a situation. I’m not. It’s just that I find it difficult – and always have in this game – to separate fact from fiction on occasions. Maybe the manager simply doesn’t want to announce publicly that there really is no room for the player in the squad on current form. Personally, I find it tricky to accept that given all we have been told the No 9 is still not fit to resume should he be required!