Julen Lopetegui drops Niclas Fullkrug injury update ahead of West Ham United v Liverpool

Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that Niclas Fullkrug has returned to West Ham United training ahead of the clash with Liverpool.

The Hammers travel to Anfield for the third-round Carabao Cup clash on Wednesday (24 September) as Lopetegui's side look to end a three-match winless run in all competitions against Arne Slot's Reds.

Although it isn't yet clear if Fullkrug will be included in the Irons' matchday squad for the cup clash, the German international is back in first-team training and a decision will be made sooner rather than later.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (24 September) he said: "We don't have any new injuries.

"Today we are going to see that Fullkrug is better too so maybe we are going to have all the squad ready. Yesterday he trained and today he's going to train and after we will see how is his level to see."

Is Niclas Fullkrug still injured at West Ham United?

Fullkrug hasn't quite had the electric start in East London that most fans were expecting, but it would be a major boost to the Hammers if he were fit to play a part against Liverpool on Wednesday night.

The German international is yet to start a Premier League game, with his only appearance in the starting XI so far coming in the Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth.

Featuring in the cup again would allow him an opportunity to continue to adapt to the English game.

West Ham's priority this season will be to be successful in the league rather than the cup competitions and that should allow Lopetegui the opportunity to slightly tinker and experiment with his starting XI at Anfield.

Although the manager could do with a win given the miserable start to his tenure in East London, nobody is expecting the Irons to beat Liverpool and that means that the pressure is off Lopetegui and his squad.

If Fullkrug is fit to start, it would be worth throwing him into the starting XI so that he can build both his fitness and confidence.

In other West Ham news, a Crysencio Summerville transfer update has emerged at the London Stadium after his summer Leeds United exit

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