Following his release from hospital on New Year’s Eve, Jamaica’s Reggae Boy Michail Antonio has ramped up his recovery from a horrific car crash with a rehabilitation programme in the United Arab Emirates.

The 34-year-old, who plays for West Ham in the English Premier League, underwent major surgery on his leg last December. The crash had occurred in Essex on December 7, 2024, leaving Antonio trapped in his damaged vehicle for nearly an hour. Emergency services had freed him and taken him to London hospital, where he had been declared to be in stable condition.

After spending close to 25 days in hospital, Antonio was discharged and announced he was grateful for life.

On Friday, it was revealed that the Jamaican international was undergoing a 12-day, warm weather training programme in Dubai as he seeks to return to playing. It was also the first time Antonio was seen since his initial release from hospital on December 31.

The leg surgery means Antonio is expected to miss the rest of the ongoing season and is also expected to miss a portion of the 2025/26 season.

It means he will be ruled out of international duty for Jamaica, including the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup as well as the Concacaf Gold Cup.

He missed the last two encounters against the USA for the Nations League quarter-finals in November due to suspension and a lost passport.

Antonio has scored five times in 21 appearances for the Reggae Boyz. His last appearance came in a 0-0 result against Honduras at the National Stadium in October. It was the team’s final Concacaf Nations League A group game.

In a post on his social media account, Antonio says he plans to return to the pitch soon while expressing gratitude for the support given to him since the crash.

“ What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters. I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here,” he said.

“To the whole football community, thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown me. It has truly meant the world. I love you all and I am endlessly grateful for every one of you. Happy New Year — and I’ll be back on that pitch soon,” Antonio added.

Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren and Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts both sent their best wishes to Antonio following the incident.

West Ham also paid tribute to Antonio with new manager Graham Potter revealing that he’s spoken to him since his appointment in January.

— Daniel Blake