Michail Antonio is ready to hand West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini a timely boost by returning to training following his hamstring injury.
Antonio was expected to be out for four months when he injured his hamstring at Newport on August 27. But the winger has made a speedy recovery and West Ham expect him to be fit to face Tottenham after the upcoming international break.
The 29-year-old has been training with West Ham’s Under-23s but he is due to join back up with the first-team squad.
Antonio’s return is a timely boost for Pellegrini, who has come under pressure after five games without a win.
West Ham have dropped to 13th in the Premier League and Pellegrini has faced criticism over his team selection and tactics.
Fans turned on Pellegrini during Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Newcastle but West Ham are confident the Chilean, who is in the second of a three-year contract, will turn things around.
And the return of Antonio, who has made a remarkable recovery, will add some much-needed pace and forward threat to a struggling West Ham side.
Antonio was in good form at the start of the season before his injury and Pellegrini will hope his return to fitness can give the Hammers a lift.
