West Ham United forward Michail Antonio is recovering in hospital after being involved in a car accident on Saturday afternoon. The 34-year-old is in a stable condition and has undergone surgery for a lower limb fracture, the club confirmed in a statement on Sunday.

Antonio was driving in Essex when the incident occurred, involving what police believe to be a single-vehicle collision with a Ferrari. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 12:50 pm on Coppice Row in Epping, where the forward was treated before being transported to a central London hospital.

West Ham issued an update on Antonio’s condition, assuring fans that he is “conscious and communicating” while under close observation in hospital. Their latest statement on Sunday read:

“West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon.

Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.

Everyone at the club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and expresses its sincere gratitude to the football family for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident and to the medical team aiding his recovery.”

The club has requested privacy for Antonio and his family during this time.

Essex Police are investigating the accident and have asked for any witnesses or dash cam footage to assist their Roads Policing Unit. A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service provided details about the response:

“An ambulance, ambulance officer vehicle, rapid response vehicle, and a response car from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. The driver of the car, an adult man, was transported by road to hospital for treatment.”

Antonio has been a key figure for West Ham since joining the club in 2015. In his time at the London Stadium, he has made 322 appearances and scored 83 goals. The versatile forward has represented Jamaica since 2021, earning 21 caps and scoring five international goals, though he was previously called up to England squads earlier in his career without making an appearance.

Antonio began his football journey at Tooting & Mitcham United before signing for Reading in 2008. During his time there, he had several loan spells, including stints at Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday. He later joined Wednesday on a permanent basis in 2012, scoring 18 goals across two seasons before moving to Nottingham Forest. His standout performances for Forest, including being named Player of the Year in the 2014-15 season, led to his transfer to West Ham.

West Ham are set to host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Monday. While Antonio’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, the club and its fans will be focused on his recovery and return to full health.

West Ham expressed their appreciation to the emergency responders who aided Antonio at the scene of the accident, ensuring he received swift medical attention. The football community has rallied behind the player, with fans and professionals alike sending messages of support and well wishes.

Everyone at West Ham, along with the wider football world, is hoping for Antonio’s speedy recovery and eventual return to the pitch.