Michail Antonio has been called up to the Jamaica international squad for their upcoming three FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mexico, Panama and Costa Rice.
The Hammers striker faces an 11,000 mile round trip to represent his country while the rest of the West Ham squad are handed a rest during the Premier League's winter break.
Jamaica face three crucial matches over seven days in their bid to reach their first World Cup since 1998 leading to fears for Antonio's fitness with the striker prone to injury over recent seasons.
During West Ham's recent hectic schedule David Moyes was asked whether Antonio was capable of playing three matches in a week.
"I think he is, I think he is in a better place than he has been before, but here is the but. We do still need to manage him," Moyes said.
The manager added: "We'd like Mich to be able to do it but we are aware we need to look after him. We've tried to do that in the European and Cup games too so we're hoping his load is not too much, but we're certainly mindful of it."
Moyes was cautious over Antonio's fitness but the striker was a starter in three matches over eight days in early January and completed another 90 minutes of action on Saturday against Manchester United.
Moyes has previously spoken of his pride when his players receive international recognition but he and the club will be desperate for Antonio to return unscathed from his Jamaican duty.
The striker is likely to be handed a rest following the World Cup qualifiers with West Ham facing non-league Kidderminster Harriers in their next fixture before a return to league action on February 8.
Antonio is currently West Ham's only senior striker and Moyes has admitted that he is aware there is a lack of depth in the forward department.
"I think in a perfect world that is what we would try and do. We have been trying for a couple of years to add a striker to the group but we have not been able to. We have had quite a few offers for players at different times that have not been accepted or we could not get or [they] have been too expensive," Moyes said
"So it is not for the want of trying and not like we are not seeing the same things that others are seeing. It is trying to get in players that I think can help us and make a difference but we will continue trying to look. With a week or so to go [in the transfer window] we will keep looking."
