West Ham United handed ‘Massive’ blow as Niclas Fullkrug injury update emerges
Niclas Fullkrug’s new injury has handed West Ham a “massive blow” during the international break, Frank McAvennie has said.
The German striker was spotted leaving international training just 15 minutes into a session [Kerry Hau, 9 September], and could now face a “prolonged period” on the sidelines with the fresh injury [GiveMeSport].
Despite joining for £27million from Borussia Dortmund this summer, as per BBC Sport, the 31-year-old has not been handed his first Premier League start, with Julen Lopetegui easing him into the division.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “It’s a massive blow because he’s a striker who’s going to score 20-plus goals this season. He even scored again for Germany. He’s a top striker but we haven’t played to his strengths yet.
“I’m hoping the new manager can play to his strengths. It’s a blow, so it’s probably a good thing that Danny Ings hasn’t left. It’s a delight that he’s still there, with Michail Antonio too.”
West Ham United suffer massive Niclas Fullkrug injury blow
Given how influential Fullkrug is for the German national team, it is extremely frustrating to see the striker return to the London Stadium injured.
The Hammers now have to work towards rehabilitating the player before he can make an impact in the Premier League and will likely be called up to the Germany squad for the next international break in October.
Lopetegui is left to clean up the mess from Fullkrug’s new injury, so it is understandable if the manager is raging at the news this week.
With a clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage up next on Saturday 14 September, Michail Antonio or Danny Ings will need to take the striker spot in the starting XI, though the former is likely to be exhausted from his recent international displays.
In other West Ham news, international media blasted a 5/10 ace after what he did in a victory.
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