Premier League: West Ham’s Michail Antonio discharged from hospital post car accident

Antonio’s injury has sidelined him for the remainder of the season, raising questions about his future at West Ham United. The Jamaican international’s current contract expires in the summer, and while his playing days this season are over, the club is expected to open talks regarding a potential extension as he continues his rehabilitation. West Ham paid an emotional tribute to Antonio in their first match after the accident, donning his No. 9 jersey during the warmup for their game against Wolves on December 9.

The players and fans united to show their support for the forward, underscoring his value to the club both on and off the pitch. Antonio has gone through a journey at the club since he joined the Hammers, going from a bit part player as a winger to almost being shunned out of the club before establishing himself as the club’s leading man. Due to his crucial and match-winning performances, the has become a fan-favourite at the London Stadium.

BREAKING: Michail Antonio has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home following his car accident on December 7th. pic.twitter.com/67T2w3nyK7

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 31, 2024

The east London side also launched a fundraising campaign, auctioning off signed jerseys and match-worn kits from their 2-1 victory over Wolves. The auction raised an impressive £29,613, a sum that was subsequently matched by the club to reach nearly £60,000. The funds were split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK, highlighting the community-oriented spirit Antonio has helped foster during his time at the club.

Jarrod Bowen, who scored is the Hammers captain and the man who the decisive goal in the Wolves match and club, contributed significantly to the campaign, with his signed jersey fetching £3,005 at auction. This gesture, along with the collective effort of the club, players, and fans, demonstrated the deep sense of camaraderie that Antonio has inspired within the West Ham community.

Michail Antonio’s Future at West Ham

Michail Antonio has scored 80 goals for West Ham across all competitions, more goals than any other player has scored for West Ham in the 21st century 💫

The road to 100 is on 💯👀 pic.twitter.com/Z0cgjnKALT

— Hammers Hub (@HammersHubWHUFC) April 19, 2024

Michail Antonio, who joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015, holds the distinction of being the club’s all-time leading Premier League goal scorer. Over 268 league appearances, he has netted 68 goals and has contributed 83 goals in 323 games across all competitions for the Hammers. His importance to the club extends beyond his goal-scoring prowess, having become a central figure in the team’s identity over the years.

With his contract being up at the end of the season, his immediate future at the club has been thrown up in the air. West Ham has a history of supporting injured players, as seen with veteran center-back Angelo Ogbonna, whose contract was extended for another year following an ACL injury in the 2021/22 season. A similar approach is anticipated for Antonio, with the club likely to offer him the opportunity to continue his career in east London while he recovers.

As Julen Lopetegui’s side prepares to return to action against Manchester City on January 4, the Hammers remain hopeful that Antonio’s rehabilitation will progress smoothly, allowing him to return stronger. For now, Antonio’s recovery and future at West Ham remain at the forefront of the club’s concerns, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on their beloved forward.