West Ham must be ‘careful’ with Michail Antonio but he will be ready for West Brom, says David Moyes

David Moyes said West Ham must ‘be careful’ with their leading forward

Lawrence Ostlere
Monday 18 January 2021 10:16 EST
Comments
Michail Antonio celebrates for West Ham
Michail Antonio celebrates for West Ham (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Michail Antonio will be ready for West Ham’s match against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night, just three days after his match-winning goal against Burnley.

Antonio has struggled with a recurring hamstring injury this season and David Moyes has been cautious in bringing his lead striker back to action. But with back-up Sebastian Haller now departed, Antonio shoulders even more attacking responsibility and looks set to play two games 72 hours apart, though Moyes would not confirm whether the forward will start the game at the London Stadium.

“I think if anything Mich's managed himself within the games really well. He's doing well but I know there's another couple of gears for him to go up to in the game. He's an important part of the team, you can see that from his goal on Saturday, so we've got to be careful with him. We'll get him ready for the game. I think it's a really quick set of games for lots of clubs.”

West Ham have linked with several new signings since Haller left for Ajax and Moyes confirmed the club are keen to recruit in January to continue their momentum after a strong first half to the season.

"I think it helped us greatly last year. If we can find somebody we think we can add to the squad who'll make us better... but if we don't get it that's the way it's going to be. It is a transfer window where we're out there trying.

"We've got a really good squad at the moment with players who are really contributing in the starting eleven and off the bench. We're aware that we're two senior players down from a few weeks ago, but if we can get somebody in, great, but if we don't, we'll work with what we've got."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in