Michail Antonio ruled out for the rest of the season

Before the sudden three goal explosion against Southampton that turned West Ham’s Saturday afternoon of pure concern into one of pure elation, the team saw Michail Antonio be in tremendous pain with his latest hamstring injury.

And now, the popular, dynamic winger will be joining Winston Reid on the sidelines for good.

The 28-year-old has been ruled out for the rest of the Hammers season following his injury against the Saints, becoming the latest major absence for not only Antonio in his West Ham career, but for the entire club the last two seasons.

It is a real shame for Magic Mikey, who had just returned from another injury recently to gain some form the past few matches with the lone goals for the team vs Liverpool and Swansea. Those goals could have been the catalyst for Antonio, not only to steer West Ham away from the relegation zone, but strengthen his last bid hopes of impressing Gareth Southgate enough to get consideration for England’s team at the World Cup.

Those two things are now moot for the electric talent, as he just can’t complete any season without the ailments that have always plagued him during his time with the Irons.

With Manuel Lanzini, Javier Hernandez and even Andy Carroll scheduled to return, and Edimilson Fernandes resuming his Hammers career by coming on for Antonio on Saturday and impressing, David Moyes does have options in attack. But with West Ham United these past two seasons, the drama of injury woe and overall negativity is always around the corner for this club.