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Michail Antonio's Return: Qatari Club and Charlton Battle for Striker

BBC Sport Football •
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Michail Antonio is in talks with Qatari club Al-Sailiya and Charlton Athletic as he seeks a return to regular football following a near-fatal car crash in December 2024. The 35-year-old striker, who scored 83 goals in 323 appearances for West Ham, is currently training at Charlton's south-east London base while negotiations with both clubs continue.

Antonio's recovery has been remarkable after shattering his femur in four places. He featured for Jamaica at June's Concacaf Gold Cup and has been working his way back to full fitness. The forward revealed he underwent keyhole surgery with a pole and four bolts inserted in his thigh, with doctors initially advising three months without weight-bearing before a specialist recommended accelerated rehabilitation.

Charlton manager Nathan Jones indicated progress is being made but stopped short of confirming a deal after Saturday's defeat to Portsmouth. The Championship side appears to be the frontrunner for Antonio's signature, though the Qatari option remains viable. His return would provide a significant boost to whichever club secures his services, bringing Premier League experience and proven goal-scoring ability to their attacking options.