West Ham United have announced that Michail Antonio has undergone an operation on a lower limb fracture after his involvement in a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon.
The 34-year-old was involved in a crash in Epping and was later taken to a central London hospital for treatment.
On Saturday evening, West Ham released a statement revealing that Antonio was stable, conscious and communicating, with the reassuring update arriving after a hugely troubling few hours in the aftermath of the incident.
A statement from Essex Fire Service said: "Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. In arrival, firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.
"Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage. We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari. Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital. The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene."
West Ham said in a statement on Saturday night: "West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.
"Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital. At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course."
A report from the Daily Mail showed pictures of a seriously-damaged silver Ferrari - believed to be Antonio's - in a woodland, although it has not been confirmed whether the vehicle belongs to the Jamaica international.
© Imago
Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture
"West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon (7 December 2024)," read a statement from West Ham on Sunday afternoon.
"Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days. Everyone at the Club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday's news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery.
"The Club will provide further updates when appropriate."
Antonio has been with West Ham since 2015, making 323 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions, scoring 83 goals and registering 41 assists in the process.
This season, the attacker has featured on 15 occasions for Julen Lopetegui's side, scoring once and providing one assist, and his contract with the capital outfit is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.
Matt Law
