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Sources: Two stars primed to replace Michail Antonio as shattering West Ham blow reported
Jarrod Bowen and Mohamed Kudus are braced to replace West Ham striker Michail Antonio in the lineup following his international break injury, sources have told Football Insider.
The duo, who primarily play as wingers for David Moyes’ side, could lead the line for the Irons if the worst fears about the 33-year-old’s injury are confirmed.
Antonio limped off in the first half of Jamaica’s 2-1 defeat against Canada on Saturday (18 November).
It has since been reported that he has suffered a potentially significant knee injury and has flown back to England for further scans and assessment at West Ham’s Rush Green training ground.
Bowen has also been withdrawn from the England camp following an injury but it is believed his problem is less severe.
A potential absence for Antonio could be a shattering blow for West Ham – who chose not to replace striker Gianluca Scamacca after he returned to Italy in the summer window.
Bowen is the favourite to replace the Jamaica international in the starting eleven having already done so during the 2023-24 campaign.
The ex-Hull City star started and scored when leading the line in West Ham’s last fixture – a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at the London Stadium.
Antonio had started the season as the Irons’ undisputed first-choice striker but has not scored a club goal since August – and has managed just two strikes in all competitions this term.
Danny Ings is also on the books at West Ham but has been unfancied in the Premier League this season.
Meanwhile, summer signing Kudus – who cost a reported £38million – has recently broken into Moyes’ starting eleven.
The Ghana international has managed four goals in 15 appearances for his new side.
Antonio has a history of injury problems but managed to stay at full fitness in the 2022-23 campaign, notching 14 goals in 48 appearances as West Ham won the Europa Conference League.
The Irons are next in action against Burnley on Saturday (25 November).
In other news, West Ham join race for Man City ace.