Team news: Antonio ruled out, Yarmolenko returns to training

Michail Antonio

 

Michail Antonio will miss Saturday’s Premier League fixture with Manchester United with a hamstring injury.

The West Ham United forward was hurt when Aston Villa right-back inadvertently trod on his heel as the pair chased a ball during Monday’s 2-1 win at London Stadium.

With the No30 at less than 100%, manager David Moyes told his pre-match press conference that he will not be fit to face the Red Devils this weekend.

“Michail is not going to be available for the game,” Moyes confirmed. “We’re not sure how long he’ll be. Hopefully it’s not too bad, but he won’t be available for Saturday’s game.

“He’s still having a bit of a problem with his hamstring. It’s not the same injury. We think it’s something slightly different, which is the good news, so we’re hoping that he won’t be too long.”

Andriy Yarmolenko has trained the last few days

David Moyes

On a more positive note, Andriy Yarmolenko has returned to training and could return to the matchday squad after recovering from a bout of coronavirus.

The No7 tested positive while away on international duty with Ukraine last month and has not featured for the Hammers since the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on 31 October.

“Andriy Yarmolenko has trained the last few days and he is recovering and, like anybody else who has had the virus, it goes in different stages and you’re not sure how quickly they can recover as they recover at different speeds,” said Moyes, who himself tested positive for COVID-19 in September and has since made a full recovery.

“Some are very quick and some might take a little bit longer, but the good news is he’s back, he’s fit, he’s healthy and he’s been training the last couple of days.”

Moyes’ only other injury concern is right-back Ryan Fredericks but other than that, the Hammers go into Saturday’s game with plenty of options in all positions.

“In the main, we’ve got a fully-fit squad,” the Scot concluded. “Ryan Fredericks has had a bit of a problem with a groin but apart from that I think everybody is close to full fitness.”