West Ham's Michail Antonio undergoes surgery after car crash
What's the story
West Ham United's top striker Michail Antonio has successfully undergone surgery for a lower limb fracture. The injury was sustained in a car accident on Saturday. The club confirmed the 34-year-old player will remain under hospital supervision in the coming days. They also expressed their gratitude to the emergency services and first responders who provided immediate care at the scene of the accident.
Post-operative status
Antonio's condition stable post-surgery
After the surgery, West Ham United confirmed that Antonio is in a stable condition. The club said on Saturday evening that he was "conscious and communicating." The accident took place in Epping, following which Antonio was taken to a central London hospital for treatment. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said they attended the accident scene at 13:02 GMT on Saturday and had extricated a man trapped in his car by 13:45.
Career highlights
Antonio's impressive career and accident investigation
Antonio, a key player for West Ham United since 2015, is the club's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 68 goals from 268 league appearances. He has scored once in 15 appearances for the Hammers this season. His career also includes stints at Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday before joining West Ham. Meanwhile, Essex Police are investigating a serious crash involving a Ferrari and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
Support messages
Football community rallies around Antonio
The news of Antonio's accident has led to an outpouring of support from the football community. Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool have posted messages of solidarity on social media. Arsenal wrote: "Everyone at Arsenal sends their love, support and well wishes to Michail, his family and West Ham United." Chelsea also said their thoughts are with Michail and his family during this difficult time.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 8, 2024
West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon.
Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over… pic.twitter.com/vg7vQbjssU
Statement
West Ham issued statements on Saturday
On Saturday, the Hammers first issued a statement, saying, "West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time. The Club will issue an update in due course." Thereafter, the club issued another statement, saying Antonio was in a stable condition and was conscious and communicating.