West Ham expert reacts to Michail Antonio injury latest - 'I don't understand this'
West Ham United need better cover for Michail Antonio in the wake of his injury.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie claimed Danny Ings was not a like-for-like replacement and he does not suit David Moyes’ style of play.
Antonio suffered a a knee injury during the international break, but scans revealed that the setback was not as bad as initially feared and the Jamaican will be sidelined until next month rather than until the new year.
The Irons are light in striker options and 31-year-old Ings, despite no goal contributions this season, has been utilised the most in place of Antonio from the bench.
McAvennie has stressed the need for the club to sign a suitable back-up to Antonio who does more than just score goals.
“I don’t get why West Ham haven’t got cover,” he told Football Insider.
“I don’t understand this. Danny Ings is not a good cover for Antonio. Seriously, what? You couldn’t get two players who are more different.
“Antonio is a David Moyes type of player. He holds the ball, he fights for it – Ings just wants to score goals.
“They’re going to miss him, that’s for sure, but I don’t know why they’ve not got a replacement.
“If you look at last year, Antonio was injured a lot and the older you get the easier it is to get injured.
“You can wrap him in cotton wool all you want, but I don’t know why they didn’t get a replacement that can do the same kind of job.
“You can’t change the system around because the striker is injured.”
In other news, Sources: West Ham could now swoop for Hugo Ekitike after £30m bid submitted.