WEST HAM will wait to make a decision on extending Michail Antonio’s contract until he has left hospital.
The Hammers are offering full medical and personal support to the striker after he was airlifted to hospital following a shocking car crash on Saturday.
Antonio, 34, is out of contract next summer and will not play again this season following surgery on a broken leg.
But the club will hold talks about extending his deal in order to support him throughout his recovery.
West Ham have form for sticking by their players in these situations, having extended long-serving defender Angelo Ogbonna‘s deal after he suffered an ACL injury in 2021.
For now, however, it is considered far too soon to be making decisions on Antonio, with the club focusing on his well-being following the traumatic incident.
Once the former Nottingham Forest man, who is still being monitored in a London hospital, has begun his recovery, discussions will be held over an extension.
The Jamaica international, who has 83 goals in 323 West Ham appearances, had to be cut out of his Ferrari near Theydon Bois by firefighters and was trapped inside for close to 45 minutes.
Essex Police have appealed for information or dash cam footage and added their Road Policing Unit will carry out an investigation.
Antonio’s Hammers team-mates will show their support for him ahead of their home game against Wolves tonight.
The West Ham squad will warm-up in specially made shirts bearing “Antonio, 9”.
They will also walk out of the tunnel ahead of kick-off in tops with his name on.
All warm-up shirts and match-worn West Ham shirts will be signed by the squad, including Antonio, and auctioned off for charity.
The proceeds will be split between the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity – with the West Ham board matching the proceeds.
West Ham said: “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.”
