The 34-year-old striker is expected to be sidelined for at least a year after sustaining a broken leg in a crash, with his future in football uncertain.

West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is facing a lengthy recovery after undergoing surgery for a broken leg sustained in a serious car accident on Saturday afternoon. The 34-year-old was airlifted to hospital after crashing his Ferrari in Epping, Essex, and remains in stable condition following the operation.

West Ham confirmed on Sunday that Antonio had fractured his lower limb in the collision and will be closely monitored in hospital over the coming days. The club expressed gratitude to the emergency services and medical teams involved in his care.

Despite being conscious and able to communicate following the crash, Antonio’s recovery is expected to be long, with reports suggesting it could take at least a year for him to regain full fitness. While it remains uncertain whether his injuries will force him into retirement, it is clear that Antonio will not be playing for the remainder of the current season.

A spokesperson for West Ham said, “Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital, and the club wishes him a speedy recovery. We are also thankful for the overwhelming support from the football community and the quick response from first responders.”

The incident occurred around 12:50 p.m. on Saturday, with Essex police reporting that the collision involved a single vehicle, a Ferrari, on Coppice Row in Epping. Authorities have since recovered the vehicle and are seeking witnesses or dashcam footage to assist in their investigation.

Antonio, who joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015, has been a key figure for the club, scoring 83 goals in 323 appearances. His contributions were instrumental in West Ham’s victory in the 2023 Europa Conference League.

As the club prepares to face Wolves in the Premier League, the football world has rallied around Antonio, hoping for a swift and full recovery for the beloved striker.