Alex Crook shares Niclas Fullkrug injury update at West Ham United after what he's been told

Niclas Fullkrug is "still some way" from returning to the West Ham United squad, according to Alex Crook.

Julen Lopetegui revealed in his pre-Tottenham press conference on Thursday (17 October) that Fullkrug will is still not ready to feature for the Irons due to a setback in his rehabilitation.

talkSPORT journalist Crook shared via the Premier League All Access podcast [17 October, 46:01] that Antonio is likely to lead the line for the Hammers in Fullkrug's prolonged absence.

He said: "They've got problems with Niclas Fullkrug. I'm told he's still some way from a return to fitness. That means Antonio, who Lopetegui doesn't fancy, will likely lead the line."

Michail Antonio starting is a massive risk for West Ham United

While Antonio ended his seven-match goal drought in the Premier League in the 4-1 win against Ipswich Town, the forward cannot be the answer against the superior opposition in Tottenham.

Jarrod Bowen has proven he can lead the Hammers' attack in Fullkrug's absence, even though he is far more effective on the flanks, and he will be raring to go after his disappointing England admission by interim boss Lee Carsley.

Lopetegui will be better served selecting Crysencio Summerville to start alongside Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus in the attacking midfield trio behind Bowen, who has a point to prove.

The Spaniard has thus far been too stubborn to divert away from his style of football, which needs a physical focal point at number 9 to be most effective. However, with only two Premier League wins from seven outings it is time to flip the script in East London.

There is so much attacking talent in the West Ham ranks underutilised under the new boss. Those same players thrived under David Moyes last season and will undoubtedly pull the side out of the early season rut.

Tottenham are there for the taking. The 3-2 loss to Brighton before the international break showed their frailties, and a revigorated West Ham side could go to North London and take the three points with a well-executed plan.

In other West Ham news, Alan Brazil shares his ‘strange’ verdict for the Hammers clash against Tottenham.

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