MICHAIL ANTONIO could be back training with his West Ham team-mates next month — in what would be an amazing recovery from his horror car crash.
The striker is lucky to be alive after a smash involving his Ferrari in Essex on December 7 left him with a broken leg.
Yet Antonio, 34, who was in hospital for more than three weeks, has been in light training in Dubai and could even return to action this term — even though it was feared he might never play again.
Antonio was due to return to London last night and boss Graham Potter hinted he might be involved in full training after the next international window in late March.
Ahead of visiting Arsenal today, Potter said: “He’s recovering.
“He’s been in Dubai and it’s been good for him to get that work in.
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“He’s not at that level of kicking a ball yet.
“It’s just a case of slowly getting back on the pitch in probably a slightly warmer environment than our training ground here in February.”
Asked when he could be back training with the squad, Potter said: “I wouldn’t be thinking anything this side of the international break for sure.”
And a Premier League return this season?
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Potter said: “I wouldn’t want to put any time on it because it’s not fair on him.
“We just take it day-by-day and see.”
West Ham has suffered in the absence of Antonio this season.
Since the striker was ruled out two days before the club beat Wolves 2-1 at the London Stadium.
It was during that game that club captain Bowen held up an Antonio shirt in honour of his team-mate.
Since then, manager Julen Lopetegui has been sacked from the dugout and replaced by Potter.
The Hammers have lost six of ten league games, winning just once, which has left them sitting 16th.
Potter and his squad will hope to turn their fortunes around and produce a shock win over Arsenal at the Emirates.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
