Graham Potter surprisingly blunt about Michail Antonio's West Ham future

West Ham manager Graham Potter has revealed that Michail Antonio will not be in his squad in the upcoming season.

Asked whether the 35-year-old Jamaican forward would be part of his squad for the forthcoming campaign following the signing of another veteran striker - and Antonio's former podcast partner - Callum Wilson on a free transfer, Potter said simply and bluntly: "No."

Antonio discharged from hospital, 'grateful for being alive'

Last month, the club said no formal decision had been made on Antonio, whose contract expired at the end of July.

"As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club's absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level," said a statement.

There had been no update on that before Potter's answer.

Michail Antonio - the symbol of resilience and persistence

Michail Antonio recovered from a horrific car crash in December and made a playing return for Jamaica during the recent Concacaf Gold Cup.

He joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest ten years ago and is the Hammers' record Premier League goalscorer, with 68 goals in 268 top-flight appearances.