‘Good Job’- Lopetegui shares early West Ham team news ahead of clash v Leicester
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has provided key updates on Niclas Füllkrug and Mohammed Kudus ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Leicester City. Speaking during his pre-match press conference on 2 December, Lopetegui outlined the timeline for the return of both players, who have been unavailable for extended periods, dealing blows to the Hammers’ attacking options.
Injury Troubles for Füllkrug
Füllkrug, a £27 million summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, has endured a frustrating start to his West Ham career, plagued by recurring injuries. The German striker has managed just 63 minutes across three Premier League appearances this season, leaving fans and the club eager for his return. Lopetegui acknowledged the difficulties surrounding Füllkrug’s fitness but offered a glimmer of hope for his comeback.
“[Füllkrug] is improving and is very close,” Lopetegui said. “Tomorrow, I think, is going to be difficult, but hopefully, he will be ready for the next matches.”
West Ham invested heavily in Füllkrug to address their long-standing striker issues, but his extended absence has compounded their attacking struggles. With Michail Antonio in poor form and no consistent alternative upfront, Lopetegui will be desperate for Füllkrug to finally make his mark during the festive period.
Kudus Ready to Return
Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus, who has been suspended for the last five matches following a red card for violent conduct during West Ham’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham on 19 October, is ready to return to action. Lopetegui confirmed the Ghanaian playmaker’s availability, which comes as a significant boost for the team.
“Kudus is back,” Lopetegui stated. “He’s missed a lot of matches, but he’s fit and ready, which is good news because it’s a good thing to have more players available.”
Kudus’ return adds versatility and creativity to the Hammers’ midfield and attack, offering Lopetegui more tactical flexibility as the team looks to reverse their recent poor form.
Boost for Lopetegui Under Pressure
The availability of Füllkrug and Kudus comes at a critical time for Lopetegui, whose position as West Ham manager is increasingly under scrutiny. The Hammers have struggled for consistency this season, and their lack of firepower has been a major issue. Jarrod Bowen remains the team’s most reliable attacking outlet, contributing six combined goals and assists in the league—double the tally of any other player in the squad.
West Ham’s offensive struggles are reflected in their recent performances, as they have managed to score more than one goal in just two of their last six league matches. The addition of Füllkrug and Kudus could be transformative, providing the team with fresh attacking options to alleviate the burden on Bowen and improve their goal output.
Festive Fixtures Could Decide Lopetegui’s Fate
The upcoming festive period presents a critical opportunity for West Ham to climb the Premier League table. With a relatively favourable run of fixtures, Lopetegui will need his side to deliver results to ease the growing pressure on his position. The Spaniard’s future at the London Stadium may hinge on how the team performs in the coming weeks.
The return of Füllkrug and Kudus could be pivotal in determining the club’s trajectory during this crucial period. While Füllkrug’s fitness remains a concern, any contribution from the German striker could provide a timely boost. Kudus, on the other hand, is expected to slot back into the side immediately, adding a much-needed spark to the Hammers’ attack.
For Lopetegui, these reinforcements may be the lifeline he needs to steer West Ham out of trouble and keep his tenure alive. With Leicester City up next, the stage is set for the Hammers to begin turning their season around. However, failure to capitalize on these positive developments could spell the end of the road for Lopetegui at the London Stadium.
