West Ham boss Bilic rocked by Antonio ‘blow’

SLAVEN Bilic has lamented the loss of Michail Antonio as a ‘massive blow’ for West Ham United after their top-scorer was ruled out for the rest of the season.

The 27-year-old, who has found the net nine times this term, had to be substituted in the first half of the Hammers’ 1-0 win over Swansea City last weekend with a hamstring injury and manager Bilic has confirmed that the forward will be sidelined for the remainder of the current campaign.

Antonio, who has been called up to two England squads this term but has yet to make his international debut, has most recently operated up front for West Ham, having played as a winger or at right-back at different parts of the season.

With Bilic’s men travelling to Sunderland on Saturday, the London Stadium chief may have to turn to the on-loan Jonathan Calleri, who replaced Antonio against Swansea, or Andy Carroll, who is expected to return from injury, to lead the line at the Stadium of Light.

“For Antonio, it is a significant injury, so he is out for the season,” said the Hammers boss.

“It’s a massive blow, of course. We know what he is giving us in every game.

“He’s one of our best players, so it’s going to be a big blow that we’re going to be without him for the rest of the season.

“Calleri did really well when he came on against Swansea with his energy, with his pressing, and with his creating open spaces for other people.

“We’re going to see with Andy. He is always a big weapon for us and a threat for the opponent.

“It’s a good thing we have options and we’re definitely going to need both of them on Saturday to share the minutes of the game.

“Who’s going to start? We’re going to decide on Saturday, of course.”