West Ham United still have some work to do to secure their Premier League survival and losing Michail Antonio for the rest of the season is a big blow.
West Ham were dragged back into the thick of the relegation battle after a string of woeful performances and results.
That culminated in pitch invasions and protests from fans against the board over the way the club is run and what they feel are broken promises over transfer spending, ambition and the controversial move to the London Stadium.
But what a difference a week has made for David Moyes after they turned in one of their best performances for two seasons to see off relegation rivals Southampton 3-0 last time out.
They say never change a winning team but Moyes has no choice for the trip to wounded Chelsea on Sunday with key man Michail Antonio ruled out for the season.
Moyes has already bemoaned the lack of pace at his disposal in the West Ham squad as one of his biggest issues when it comes to grinding out the wins needed to secure survival.
And now he will have to make do without one of his quickest stars after Antonio’s injury and with some work still to do to get the points on the board to stay up.
But the answer to Moyes’ problems could be right under his nose in the shape of young star Marcus Browne.
The winger impressed once again for the club’s Under 23s in Thursday night’s win over Manchester City scoring a wonder free-kick in a 1-0 win.
Browne has tasted first team action before in Europa League qualifying under Slaven Bilic and is blessed with electric pace and skill but suffered a setback in his progress due to injury.
He has been in superb form since returning to the fold this season, though, and his stunning free-kick and all round man of the match display against City has Hammers fans purring and calling for him to be given a first team chance.
Antonio’s injury could be the perfect chance for Browne and given the club’s proud history of promoting young talent, Moyes should look to youth in line with the West Ham way.
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