West Ham United v Brentford: Doctor shares Michail Antonio fitness update
West Ham striker Michail Antonio is not expected to be at a 100 per cent for the Brentford clash, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that despite playing 75 minutes against Nottingham Forest on 17 February, the Jamaica international has still not recovered fully.
He returned earlier than expected from a ligament injury and will need to undergo late tests before the game on Monday, 26 February.
Speaking exclusively with West Ham Zone, Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and a Sports Scientist, said:
“At the start of February, it sounded like he was on the cusp of returning to higher intensity sport-specific activities such as multi-direction running and cutting.
“At the time, the reported return date was February 26 so he looked at a return to training by late second week or so of February.
“However, he was back starting and played 75 minutes v Nottingham Forest.
“He is closing in on a 100 per cent and will still be monitored before games.“
West Ham United must not push Antonio v Brentford
While his return v Forest was undoubtedly a boost, it’s important for the Hammers not to push him to the limit.
He is already 33 and not in the best in terms of match sharpness and that’s something David Moyes will be aware of.
While he’s expected to start, it remains to be seen if he plays the full 90 minutes.
In other West Ham news, a manager with a 69 per cent Europa League win record is eyed to replace David Moyes at the London Stadium.
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