Michail Antonio is facing at least a month on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in West Ham’s draw with Manchester City last weekend.
The West Ham striker, who has already scored three Premier League goals this season, went off in the 52nd minute against City and is set to miss Saturday’s trip to Liverpool after scans revealed the extent of the problem. Antonio has become a vital player for David Moyes, who is short of options up front after losing the 30-year-old.
Moyes, who was unsuccessful in an attempt to land the Bournemouth striker Joshua King at the end of the previous transfer window, only has two established strikers in his squad. Sébastien Haller, who has struggled since arriving for £45m in the summer of 2019, could fill in at Anfield.
Haller is yet to start a league game this season and has fallen behind Antonio in the pecking order. Antonio was outstanding at the end of last season, scoring eight goals in seven games to help West Ham avoid relegation. His strength and speed made him a handful for defenders.
However he has struggled with hamstring injuries. He missed three months at the start of last season after having hamstring surgery and encountered fitness problems for much of 2017 and 2018.
West Ham, who are unbeaten in four league games, will be left wondering if they require greater depth up front. However Haller, who has scored five goals in all competitions this season, will hope to convince Moyes of his worth if he is given an opportunity against Liverpool.
