West Ham star Michail Antonio says the international break has come at the worst possible time after his injury.
Michail Antonio has looked reborn for West Ham in the last two games.
The striker put on one of his best all-round individual performances to help the Hammers smash Freiburg 5-0.
That comeback win set up a Europa League quarter-final with Bayer Leverkusen.
Antonio also played well in the 1-1 draw with Villa, scoring an excellent diving header.
Reborn Antonio rolls back the years for West Ham
It was a welcome return to form for the soon-to-be 34-year-old.
West Ham’s record Premier League goalscorer had not scored since August before the goal against Villa.
And it followed a long lay-off following an injury sustained on international duty with Jamaica back in November.
The Hammers face an exciting and gruelling run of fixtures when Premier League and European action resumes.
But West Ham star Antonio says the international break has come at the worst possible time after his injury.
Hammers striker withdraws from Jamaica call-up
The Hammers have announced Antonio has pulled out of Jamaica’s squad.
He had been called up for the Reggae Boyz’ CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against the USA – which takes place on Thursday.
But – perhaps wisely – he declined the call-up given the magnitude of West Ham’s run-in and the fact he missed three months the last time he met up with the national team.
Now, speaking to West Ham’s official website, Antonio has bemoaned the break just when he is starting to find form and fitness again.
“It’s been a long time waiting [to be on the scoresheet again] and hopefully I can just go on a run now,” Antonio said.
Antonio didn’t want international break
“I’ve been out for a long time [with injury], missed a lot of football and I have really missed it as well.
“I came back and felt a bit rusty, but I feel as if I’m getting back to my usual form and now I’ve topped it off with a goal.
“I don’t really want the break right now after the performances I’ve been producing and would rather the games kept on coming. But because of the break it’s something I’ve got to deal with.”
Join the club Michail – we can’t stand the international breaks either.
We can only hope our international Hammers come back fit and ready. Because April is hands down the most important period of the season bar none.