West Ham United boss David Moyes has provided an explanation for Michail Antonio’s absence from his matchday squad to face KRC Genk during the week.
Bowen amongst the goals
Moyes’ men returned to action this past Thursday.
After getting the club’s post-international break endeavours off to a positive start courtesy of a 1-0 downing of Everton last weekend, the Irons turned their attentions back towards matters on the continent, in a meeting with Belgian outfit Genk.
And, when all was said and done at the London Stadium, West Ham’s stellar opening to the Europa League campaign only continued.
Another impressive display ultimately culminated in the hosts emerging on the right side of a 3-0 scoreline.
Craig Dawson opened the evening’s scoring on the stroke of the interval, before a quick-fire double on the part of Issa Diop and Jarrod Bowen early in the 2nd-half ensured that all three points remained in the English capital.
Antonio latest
As outlined above, however, amid the party atmosphere inside the London Stadium on Thursday, one key member of David Moyes’ setup played no part up against Genk.
The player in question? Michail Antonio.
Hitman Antonio, who has managed an impressive five goals and three assists in the Premier League already this season, was not even afforded a spot on the bench on Thursday night.
His absence, in turn, had since led to quiet concerns amongst the West Ham faithful and Fantasy Premier League community alike, owing to a lack of explanation on the part of boss Moyes.
As outlined above, though, on Saturday, the Irons tactician has spoken out on the situation.
Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s London derby showdown with Tottenham in 24 hours’ time, Moyes quelled any remaining fears surrounding Antonio’s fitness, assuring that ‘there are no injury problems’: