Payet ‘doing well’ in comeback as Antonio eyes action

Dimitri Payet is already looking forward to a return to action for West Ham, but Michail Antonio hopes to make the most of his absence in the meantime.

West Ham revealed on Monday that Payet does not require surgery but will still be out until the New Year with the ankle injury sustained in the 1-1 draw against Everton on November 7.

It is news which came as a big relief to the 28-year-old.

He told West Ham’s official website: “It has been a week since I sustained the injury. I am doing well. It is a long period but I am looking forward to making a return to action.

“Of course it is a big relief for me that I will not need an operation. I speak from experience and having had a couple of operations, it is not an easy thing to cope with. It is good news on that front but it doesn’t change the time that it will take me to recover.”

With Payet facing an extended period on the sidelines, Antonio is hoping for a chance to prove his worth.

The summer signing from Nottingham Forest has made only one appearance for the Hammers so far but could be involved against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

He said: “Dimitri getting injured is a great loss as well as Enner [Valencia], but their absence gives other players the chance to become a star of the club and allow them to show what they can do.

“Dimitri has been absolutely superb so far so he will be greatly missed. It’s time for the other boys to step up.

“When I joined, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to break through and stake my claim in the Premier League. It’s one of those things where I need to wait and bide my time.”