West Ham United forward Michail Antonio may never play football again after undergoing surgery following his involvement in a serious car crash on Saturday, according to reports.

The 34-year-old went under the knife on Sunday to have surgery on a lower limb fracture following the horrendous incident, which occurred in Theydon Bois, Essex, at the weekend.Essex police are investigating the incident and have appealed for witnesses to come forward with any information or dashcam footage.

Reports suggest Antonio could be sidelined for up to a year as he begins his recovery from the crash, having been joined by his ex-wife at his bedside in hospital.

But there are now concerns that the Jamaica international may never play in the Premier League again for the Hammers.

Presenter Jim White has given an update about Antonio’s condition after he was involved in a horror car crash at the weekend.

Speaking on talkSPORT, White said: “I'm told this morning he remains in a stable condition in hospital, receiving the full support of the NHS and the West Ham medical staff.

"Now he has sustained serious damage to one of his legs and it's thought is going to be a long haul recovery, and it will be at least 12 months before it's known whether or not he'll play football again.

“I was told this morning Mikel is a fighter. He's in a very strong physical condition because he is a top class footballer and that may help him and come as a bit of an advantage when it comes to his recovery."

West Ham announced on Sunday that Antonio would undergo surgery to repair the damage sustained in the car crash.

A statement read: "West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon. 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.

"The club will provide further updates when appropriate."

Antonio is West Ham's top all-time goalscorer in the Premier League with 68 goals in 268 appearances in the top flight. He joined the east London club in 2015 from Nottingham Forest and was part of the team that won the UEFA Conference League in 2022-23.

The veteran striker had appeared in 15 games for Julen Lopetegui's side this season, scoring once for the Irons.

He took part in a session on Friday at their Rush Green training base prior to their Premier League fixture with Wolves tonight, only for the accident to wreck his hopes of playing at the London Stadium.

But now he is likely to face a prolonged spell on the sidelines as he looks to defy reports that he may have to retire from football prematurely.