Michail Antonio: West Ham player undergoes surgery on lower limb fracture following car crash

Hammers forward taken to hospital in London following the incident on Saturday afternoon

Michail Antonio, left, in action for West Ham United during a Premier League game against Leicester City on December 03, 2024. Getty

West Ham United player Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident.

The 34-year-old forward was taken to hospital in London following the incident in Epping, Essex on Saturday afternoon.

After confirming on Saturday that Antonio had been involved in a road traffic accident, the Premier League club provided an update later in the day stating that the striker “was in a stable condition in hospital” after the accident.

On Sunday afternoon, a further update was provided. “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon,” the club wrote on X.

“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.”

Essex Fire Service also confirmed firefighters had attended the scene and released a man trapped in his car.

A statement read: “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.”

A further statement from Essex Police added: “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.”

The Jamaica international is in his 10th season with West Ham after joining the club from Nottingham Forest in 2015. He has scored 83 goals in 323 appearances, making him the club's all-time Premier League goalscorer. He helped the Hammers win the Europa Conference League in 2023.

Antonio began his footballing journey with non-League Tooting and Mitcham before moving into the professional ranks with Reading. He has also had spells with Cheltenham, Southampton, Colchester and Sheffield Wednesday.

He made his Jamaica debut in 2021 and has scored five goals in 21 appearances for the country.

National team head coach Steve McClaren said: “On behalf of the entire group of players, support staff and technical staff, I would like to wish Michail a speedy recovery.”

A number of West Ham’s rival clubs have also posted well wishes.

A social media post from Arsenal read: “Everyone at Arsenal sends their love, support and well wishes to Michail, his family and West Ham United.”

Chelsea said: “The thoughts of everyone at Chelsea FC are with Michail and his family.”

A message from Liverpool read: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at LFC are with Michail and his family.”

West Ham host Wolves at the London Stadium on Monday.