- Steve McClaren has provided a significant update on Antonio’s return date
- The 34-year-old striker was involved in a car crash which saw him break his leg
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Why the League Cup final is Newcastle’s to lose
West Ham forward Michail Antonio hopes to make a splash for Jamaica later this year despite his horror car crash in December, Steve McClaren has revealed.
On December 7, the 34-year-old was airlifted to hospital with a broken leg after being cut from the wreckage of his £260,00 grey Ferrari by fire crews in Essex.
Antonio was trapped for more than 45 minutes and feared for his life after he collided with a tree on his way home from a training session in Epping Forest.
He is already on the road to recovery and in February he completed a recovery programme in Dubai.
Now, Jamaica head coach McClaren says Antonio is aiming to feature for his national team in their World Cup qualifiers in September.
‘Michail has come from non-league and fought his way through to play in the Premier League, in top games in Europe and for Jamaica, making an impact wherever he goes,’ the 63-year-old said.
Jamaica boss Steve McClaren has revealed Michail Antonio’s return date to pitch following his horror car crash
The 34-year-old broke his leg last December when his grey Ferrari collided with a tree and was left fearing for his life
McClaren said ‘warrior’ Antonio is targeting an early return to international duty in September for World Cup qualifiers
‘The impact [of the crash] was horrendous. He is confident he will come back and is aiming for the summer period, or hopefully our World Cup qualifying group in September, October and November.
‘He is a true character off the field, always bubbly and great for the squad. We miss that.
‘He says the one thing he has got is motivation. When warriors have motivation, they tend to achieve their goal.
‘His goal is to be back in the summer to help Jamaica.’
On Monday, Antonio made an emotional return to the London Stadium, waving and clapping to the Hammers’ fans before the team’s 1-0 loss against Newcastle in the Premier League.
Graham Potter’s side are enduring a disappointing domestic campaign, sitting in 16th place after 29 games in the league.
The Irons were also knocked out of both the FA Cup and Carabao cup, following their defeats by Aston Villa and Liverpool respectively.
Antonio’s absence undoubtedly had a significant impact on the team’s performance, with the striker sidelined since the 3-1 loss to Leicester City on December 3.
The striker switched his international allegiance to Jamaica in 2021 and has made 21 appearances, scoring five goals and providing one assist
He joined the club in 2015 and has made 323 appearances since then, scoring 83 goals and adding 40 assists.
Potter, who arrived at the club after the incident, praised Antonio’s handling of the matter.
‘Because of the severity of the injury and incident it’s important he takes the time he needs with the medical staff. I wouldn’t want to put a timeframe on a return because it’s not fair to him,’ he said.
‘Mich’s recovery is moving in the right direction. I wouldn’t be thinking anything [of a potential return] this side of the international break. It’s not a case of rushing it but it’s certainly positive.’
After Antonio was repeatedly snubbed for playing time in the England squad, the striker switched his international allegiance to Jamaica in 2021.
He already earned 21 appearances for his national team, scoring five goals while providing one assist.
