Lopetegui Reveals Surprising Striker Return
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui has delivered an encouraging update regarding striker Niclas Füllkrug, announcing that the summer signing is on the verge of making his long-awaited return to action. The German forward, who joined the Hammers for £27 million from Borussia Dortmund, has been out of action for three months due to an Achilles injury sustained during international duty with Germany.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Leicester City, Lopetegui hinted that Füllkrug might be available for next week’s Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. While the possibility of Füllkrug featuring against Leicester exists, the West Ham boss was cautious in his assessment.
“Füllkrug is improving and is very close,” Lopetegui stated. “Tomorrow, I think, is going to be difficult, but hopefully, he will be ready in the next matches. He won’t be fully fit—three months is a long time without matches—but thankfully, he is close to recovery.”
Füllkrug’s Potential Impact
The return of Füllkrug is eagerly anticipated by West Ham fans, given the team’s struggles to find consistent firepower upfront this season. The German forward’s signing was seen as a statement of intent during the summer transfer window, with the hope that he could bring the clinical edge the Hammers have often lacked. However, his Achilles injury delayed his Premier League debut, leaving supporters and Lopetegui to wait patiently for his introduction to English football.
Füllkrug’s comeback could provide a much-needed boost to a side currently navigating a challenging phase in their season. Although Lopetegui warned that Füllkrug might not be at peak fitness immediately, even a partial contribution could make a significant difference. His return might feel like a fresh signing, adding depth and versatility to West Ham’s attacking options as they aim to climb the Premier League table.
Mohammed Kudus Back in Contention
In addition to the positive news on Füllkrug, Lopetegui offered another fitness update, confirming that Mohammed Kudus is back and ready to feature after recovering from his recent layoff. The Ghanaian midfielder, who has missed several matches, is now fit and available for selection, which Lopetegui described as “good news.”
“I won’t talk about the line-up,” Lopetegui remarked. “Mohammed Kudus is back, but he’s missed a lot of matches. He’s fit and ready, which is good news for us because it’s a good thing to have more players available.”
Kudus’ return adds another dimension to West Ham’s attacking play. Known for his creativity, versatility, and ability to score crucial goals, Kudus could provide the spark the team needs to regain momentum in the league.
A Welcome Boost for a Challenging Period
Lopetegui’s updates arrive at a pivotal moment for the Hammers, who have faced their fair share of adversity in recent weeks. The return of key players like Füllkrug and Kudus not only strengthens the squad but also boosts morale as West Ham look to bounce back from a difficult weekend.
The Hammers travel to Leicester City tomorrow night with the hope of securing a vital result before turning their attention to Wolverhampton Wanderers. While Füllkrug’s return is not guaranteed for the Wolves game, the prospect of him rejoining the squad soon is a source of optimism for both the manager and fans.
As Lopetegui navigates the challenges of balancing injuries and results, the reintegration of these two players could mark a turning point in West Ham’s season, providing fresh impetus to their pursuit of success in the Premier League.
