Respected journalist reveals how long Michail Antonio is expected to be out for after suffering injuries in road traffic accident

A new update on Michail Antonio's situation has been provided by a respected journalist after he was involved in a horrific car crash.

On Saturday, after rumours and images of a battered Ferrari widely circulated on the internet, West Ham issued an official statement and confirmed that Antonio was caught up in a road traffic accident.

In an update, the club brought the good news that the Jamaica international was in "a stable condition" and was "conscious and communicating" in hospital after the incident.

A statement soon arrived from local police, explaining they, along with other emergency services, were on the scene after what they believe to be a "single vehicle collision" took place in Coppice Row, Epping.

A further investigation is being carried out by the Roads Policing Unit and details of Antonio's injuries were disclosed by West Ham, who said he had successful surgery on a lower limb fracture.

"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 said.

"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."

Michail Antonio is unlikely to feature again this season. Image: Getty

According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Antonio is set to be on the sidelines for at least a year as he continues his recovery from a broken leg.

There is no word on whether Antonio's injuries will cause him to retire but it is almost definite that he will not feature for the Hammers again this season and could be looking at a year of rehabilitation in a best-case-scenario.

Antonio signed for West Ham from Nottingham Forest back in 2015 and has scored 83 goals in 323 appearances, including a club record 68 in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old was called up by England on three occasions but switched allegiance to Jamaica and has scored five times in 21 appearances for the Reggae Boyz.

He made his 14th and likely final appearance of the current campaign in a 3-1 loss to Leicester City on Tuesday.

West Ham return to action on Monday night when they host Wolves at the London Stadium.