West Ham striker Michail Antonio has undergone surgery for a lower limb fracture after being involved in a car crash on Saturday, the club confirmed.
The 34-year-old Jamaica international will remain under medical observation in hospital over the coming days.
West Ham expressed their gratitude to the emergency services and first responders who assisted Antonio following the accident.
Antonio was trapped in his car after the crash in Epping and had to be extricated before being taken to a central London hospital.
The club reported that he was in stable condition and was conscious and able to communicate when he was admitted.
As West Ham’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League, with 68 goals in 268 appearances, Antonio’s recovery is a priority for the club. “Everyone at the club wishes Michail a swift recovery and extends heartfelt thanks to the football community for the tremendous support shown since the incident,” the club’s statement said. They also assured fans that further updates would be provided as necessary.
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service responded to the accident, arriving at the scene at 13:02 GMT and freeing Antonio from his car by 13:45 GMT. The full extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.
Essex Police are investigating the serious collision, which involved a Ferrari, and have called for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Messages of support have flooded in from all corners of the football world, including from Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, as well as former clubs Southampton, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and Colchester. BBC presenter Gary Lineker also offered his well-wishes during the Saturday edition of Match of the Day.
Jamaica manager Steve McClaren sent a message from the national team: “On behalf of the entire group of players, support staff, and technical staff, I would like to wish Michail a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this time.”
Antonio has featured in all 14 of West Ham’s Premier League matches this season, with his lone goal coming in a 4-1 win against Ipswich on October 5.
His return to action remains uncertain as the club prepares for their match against Wolves on Monday.
