Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson has stated that West Ham forward Michail Antonio is even more important to the side than Declan Rice.

The Hammers are picking up injuries to key players at a crucial part of the season, as they are looking to kick on now to try stay in the top four of the Premier League.

David Moyes’ side are fourth right now in the standings, and earning Champions League football for next season would be a phenomenal achievement if they can pull it off.

Pundit Merson has claimed that the Irons need to pray Antonio’s groin injury isn’t serious.

Him and Rice are both sidelined right now, with Moyes explaining in his Friday press conference that both are unavailable this weekend against Leicester City.

“Michail Antonio is even more important for West Ham than Declan Rice and they can’t afford to lose him for the run-in,” Merson wrote for the Daily Star.

“Rice is a big player for them and he will be out for four weeks but he is a defensive midfielder and he won’t be missed as much as Antonio would. They need to hope Antonio’s hamstring injury isn’t too bad, and doesn’t get any worse over the next few weeks, because they need goals.”

TBR’s View:

Mark Noble is an adequate replacement for 22-year-old Rice in midfield, albeit not at the same level, but it’s great to have that experience at the London Stadium.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said in attack.

Antonio, 31, is the frontline striker for West Ham, and without him they really lack a presence in the final third.

Moyes has versatile attackers who can play centrally for him during any absence, but it does become slightly more difficult without him on the pitch.