West Ham’s Antonio undergoes surgery after car crash

West Ham striker Michail Antonio has undergone surgery for a lower limb fracture following a car accident on Saturday, the club has confirmed.

In a statement, the Hammers expressed their gratitude to emergency services and first responders who assisted Antonio at the scene, adding that he will remain in hospital under observation for the next few days.

The 34-year-old Jamaica international was extracted from his vehicle after the accident in Epping and transported to a central London hospital.

West Ham reassured fans on Saturday evening that Antonio was in stable condition, “conscious and communicating.”

Antonio, the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, has netted 68 goals in 268 league appearances.

“Everyone at the club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news,” the West Ham statement continued.

“The club will provide further updates when appropriate.”

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service responded to the accident scene on Saturday following calls at 13:02 GMT, successfully freeing a man trapped in his car by 13:45.

At the time, the full extent of Michail Antonio’s injuries had not been disclosed.

Essex Police confirmed an investigation into the crash involving a Ferrari and urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Support for Antonio has poured in from across the football world. The Premier League, along with clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, responded to West Ham’s statement on X. Former teams Southampton, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and Colchester also sent well-wishes, as did BBC presenter Gary Lineker during Saturday’s Match of the Day.

Jamaica’s manager, Steve McClaren, extended a message of encouragement on behalf of Antonio’s international teammates, saying: “The entire group of players, support staff, and technical team wish Michail a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”

Antonio, who has played in all 14 of West Ham’s Premier League matches this season, scored his sole goal in their 4-1 victory over Ipswich on October 5.

The length of his recovery remains uncertain as the Hammers prepare to face Wolves on Monday at 20:00 GMT.