Nicolas Fullkrug injury update before West Ham United v Chelsea

Niclas Fullkrug is a doubt for the West Ham United clash against Chelsea in the Premier League on 21 September, according to Nizaar Kinsella.

The BBC journalist reported via X that the striker could miss out with the ligament injury he sustained while on international duty [WHUFC, 12 September].

Kinsella also added that Emerson is a doubt for the game after he was replaced early in the 1-1 draw last time out against Fulham.

West Ham United injury news on Niclas Fullkrug

While Emerson's injury isn't as bad as first expected [YouTube, 19 September], it's still likely severe enough to keep him sidelined for this one.

Julen Lopetegui already has a fairly thin squad in terms of defenders and this latest injury is just rubbing more salt into his wounds.

Fullkrug's absence hasn't come at an ideal time either as, even though Michail Antonio has led the attacking line since the opening game of the season, his performances have been below par.

It could mean that Danny Ings gets his first start of the season after netting a last-minute equaliser against the Cottagers.

Lopetegui could be forced into several changes with Lucas Paqueta also pushing for his place back after being benched at Fulham.

With Fullkrug and Emerson potentially missing, there aren't many options to choose from in critical areas and hopefully, that doesn't come back to haunt the Irons.

In other West Ham news, Mark Chapman has questioned the quality of the Hammers' attackers.

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