West Ham's players will pay tribute to Michail Antonio before tonight's match after the striker was injured in a car crash on Saturday.
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Antonio involved in Ferrari crashStriker undergoes surgery in hospitalTeam-mates to pay tribute against WolvesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
News broke on Saturday that the 34-year-old was in a 'stable condition' after being involved in a road traffic accident in the Essex area. Now it has been confirmed that his team-mates will honour him by walking out and warming up in special 'Antonio 9' shirts before their game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday evening.
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An official statement posted on the club's website read: "West Ham United’s players will show their support for teammate Michail Antonio at London Stadium on Monday evening, following his road traffic accident on Saturday.
"The Hammers striker underwent surgery on a lower limb fracture on Sunday, and is currently recovering in hospital. He remains in everyone’s thoughts as he continues his rehabilitation.
"Everyone at the Club would like to reiterate their heartfelt thanks to the first responders, emergency services, air ambulance staff and the NHS for the incredible support given to Michail in the wake of the accident.
"Ahead of Monday’s Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which kicks-off at 8pm, the players will warm-up in special ‘Antonio 9’ shirts, as well as walking out in tops adorning the striker’s name.
"The Club will auction off the walk-out tops, with each one signed by every member of the squad, including Michail. In addition, every match-worn shirt from the Wolves fixture will also be auctioned, each signed by their respective squad member.
"All proceeds raised from the auction will be split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity, the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s Air Ambulance charities. All proceeds will also be matched by the Club’s Board."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Surgeons operated on Antonio on Sunday to deal with a lower limb fracture, after he was found in a car wreckage by a dog walker. The striker is currently recovering in hospital and being monitored by doctors. Further details about his rehabilitation are yet to be revealed, but this dramatic injury is likely to have been a huge shock for his team-mates ahead of tonight's crucial scrap at the bottom end of the Premier League.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR WEST HAM?
After paying tribute to their bed-bound striker, West Ham will need to focus intently on what is a huge fixture against fellow strugglers Wolves. Gary O'Neil's side are four points from safety and desperate for a win, while Julen Lopetegui is also under a huge amount of pressure in the Hammers dugout. It's highly plausible that if either side loses this game, their manager could become the Premier League's latest coaching casualty.
