While most Hammers fans were 'pleased' Declan Rice would miss England's World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino through a non Covid related virus that he is expected to make a full recovery from in time for Hammers away Premier League game against Wolves, there is growing anxiety regarding Michail Antonio.
While Declan Rice would only have had to travel to Wembley and then to San Marino, Michail Antonio has flown thousands of miles to El Salvador in order to represent Jamaica. The Hammers only striker then flies to Jamaica to play against the USA only three days later! 13/11/21 El Salvador v Jamaica 02:05 16/11/21 Jamaica v USA 22:00.
All in all Antonio will travel a minimum of 17,000 miles and play two highly competitive games, heaven help his hamstrings AND the nerves of Hammers fans. Having lost Angelo Ogbonna for the rest of the season barring a miracle, fans are rightly concerned about the demands International football will have on a player who is vital to the team's success.
Losing Ogbonna is bad enough, but to lose Big Mikey would be catastrophic and seriously, if not mortally, wound Hammers unlikely push towards achieving a top four slot this season. Up until the Og's injury Hammers had been very lucky with regards to injuries, but the frailty of the squad was always going to be called into question sooner or later.
Following the International break Hammers have an extremely congested fixture list, during December there is one period when there will be SIX games in EIGHTEEN days! The sheer weight of games is going to test David Moyes and his squad to the limits of endurance, but that is the price you pay for wanting to dine at football's top table.
As clubs approach the remaining two thirds of the season, some of the anomalies that have benefited West Ham will surely resolve themselves, Tottingham cannot possibly be as bad under Conte as they were under Santos and will be looking to make up their lost ground. Arsenal are showing a lot of promise under Arteta and currently have the North London bragging rights over Tottingham, London rivals Crystal Palace are also showing improved form, but the 'key player in the equation is Manchester United, or rather Ole Gonner!
The longer Manchester United retain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the better chance there is of Hammers making the top four, although realistically even finishing in the top six for a second year running would be a phenomenal achievement. It is incredible when you think of where the club was less than two years ago and remarkable bearing in mind the circumstances surrounding Moyes' return to the club as a managerial firefighter for the SECOND TIME running.
Last time Antonio went off to play for Jamaica, the club sent his physio with him to ensure he was looked after properly, it is to be hoped the same amount of diligence and care has been taken this time round..come back fit Mikey, your club needs you!-LN
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