- Antonio suffered knee ligament injury playing for Jamaica in November
- Forward was expected to make a return against Bristol City this weekend
- It’s about survival! FA Cup replays must remain for the good of English football – It’s All Kicking Off
West Ham’s Michail Antonio has reportedly suffered another injury setback on the brink of his return to action and could miss the rest of January.
The forward has been sidelined since he suffered medial knee ligament damage while playing for Jamaica against Canada in November.
Antonio, 33, was expected to play a part in West Ham’s FA Cup third round tie against Bristol City on Sunday after two months out.
However, the Daily Telegraph report Antonio suffered a setback of between two and three weeks when he slipped in training at West Ham’s Rush Green base.
It does coincide with the Premier League’s winter break, which means Antonio won’t miss too much action. West Ham next play a league fixture at Sheffield United on January 21.
Michail Antonio has reportedly suffered a setback in his return from a knee ligament injury
The forward was closing in on a return to action after two months on the sidelines
Progress in the FA Cup against their Championship opponents would mean a fourth round tie scheduled for the last weekend of the month.
Manager David Moyes had ruled out additions to his forward line during the transfer window currently open.
This is largely because of Jarrod Bowen’s effectiveness in a centre forward position, with the England international on 13 goals for the season.
Prior to his injury, Antonio had been Moyes’ first-choice striker for Premier League games before being rotated out the team for Europa League fixtures.
The setback comes as a blow to West Ham boss David Moyes but January is a quiet month
He had scored twice and supplied two assists for the Hammers prior to his injury.
Antonio said he was ‘getting close to the comeback’ in a tweet on New Year’s Eve. He added: ‘Got me on the Captain America programme. Beast Mode 2.0 loading for the start of 2024…’