Antonio woe

The Guardian is reporting that Michail Antonio could miss the rest of the season with his hamstring problem. It was a disaster that was always likely to happen and it still seems short-sighted not to have at least loaned a striker as cover. We have to hope that Jarrod Bowen steps up to the role — he did come on and score against Wolves and also had a chance well-saved by Rui Patricio. Though he doesn't look a natural in the role and certainly can't bully defenders like Antonio.

There's also the option of playing Jesse Lingard as a false nine, but he's surely better running at defences rather than playing with his back to goal. Could Benrahma chip in with some goals? Other than that the options are down to a possibly soon to be fit Yarmolenko or the untried Odubeko. To be more positive Masuaku is back and Ogbonna will soon be fit which at least improves things defensively.

It seems very unlikely that we can make the Champions League without both Rice and Antonio. What's important is that the season doesn't end with a whimper. I'd say that three wins and a couple of draws out of the final eight games would get WHU in the top seven and the Europa League. After last season that would be a massive success.