David Moyes is optimistic that West Ham talisman Michail Antonio will be fit for Sunday’s all-London clash with Tottenham.
The influential forward missed Monday’s 3-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United and last week’s FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Manchester United.
The Hammers talisman transforms the way they play but has again been struggling with hamstring problems in recent weeks, meaning Moyes is treading carefully when it comes to his return to action.
While West Ham didn’t struggle for goals without Antonio against the rock-bottom Blades, he is their only senior striker following the January departure of Sebastien Haller, who was not replaced before the transfer deadline.
Having the 30-year-old back for the visit of rivals Tottenham to the London Stadium on Sunday would come as a huge boost to Moyes’ side, who are hoping to keep pace with Chelsea in the battle for the top four and in the process deal a blow to Spurs’ hopes of making up ground from ninth position.
“Michail has a good chance of being available for Sunday because he’s had three days training,” said Moyes.
“We’ve always been careful with Mich in trying to get him right, but he was close for the last game. We didn’t quite think it was worth the risk.
“He’s not been training with the group every day, but he’s been doing some individual work and hopefully we’ll know a bit more tomorrow.”
