Danny Ings set for unexpected West Ham United start v Fulham after new developments emerge

Julen Lopetegui may have no other choice but to start Danny Ings as West Ham prepare to face Fulham on Saturday (14 September).

The 32-year-old, who has started just one Premier League game since the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United in January, is joined by fellow strikers Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug as the striker options.

Despite not departing the London Stadium this summer, with Lopetegui having other ideas, he has only played five minutes of football so far, with Antonio leading the line for all three league games so far.

However, Lopetegui will find his arms tied behind his back when attempting to choose a striker to face the Cottagers once the international break comes to a close.

It appears Fullkrug is set to return to the London Stadium for treatment [Sean Whetstone], having been spotted dropping out of Germany's training after just 15 minutes with a suspected Achilles and calf problem [Kerry Hau, 9 September].

It is now understood, as per Sean Whetstone, that the striker is suffering from Achilles tendonitis, which usually takes two weeks and three weeks, though severe cases can lead to months on the sidelines.

Why would Michail Antonio not start for West Ham United?

Of course, any blow to the club's £27million signing is disappointing [BBC Sport]. But, with Antonio within the ranks, many fans would just suggest that he would start on Saturday.

The 34-year-old, however, is still on international duty with Jamaica and has already played 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw against Cuba on Saturday 7 September. The next fixture takes place at 3 am in Honduras on Wednesday 11 September.

If the striker starts for the Reggae Boyz once again, this would allow little time for him to travel over 5,000 miles back to London, rest, and fit in a training session with the Hammers before facing Fulham.

Unless Lopetegui is open to starting without an out-and-out striker, and playing Jarrod Bowen or Mohammed Kudus through the middle, it looks as though Ings will get his time to shine.

In other West Ham news, a free transfer is now “5% likely” after a new update at the London Stadium.

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