Niclas Fullkrug injury timeline revealed ahead of West Ham United clash v Brentford
Niclas Fullkrug could return to the West Ham starting XI following the international break in October, according to GiveMeSport.
The online source reported [26 September] that the German forward has been showing good signs upon returning to training, having suffered an Achilles injury during the previous international break.
It is understood that Fullkrug is edging closer to contention after missing clashes against Fulham, Chelsea and Liverpool, and is unlikely to return to the starting XI until the Hammers face Tottenham on Saturday 19 October.
Niclas Fullkrug nears West Ham United return after injury blow
The 31-year-old has only made one start since joining in a £27million deal from Borussia Dortmund [BBC Sport] – a 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the EFL Cup – with three substitute appearances in the league.
Fans were extremely excited to see the Hammers bring a new striker to the London Stadium, especially one who notched 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga last season and impressed at Euro 2024.
However, his career has gotten off to a dreadful start, spending most of it sidelined and in the medical room. It looks like he will have the chance to put that right soon enough, though.
Julen Lopetegui cannot rely on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings throughout the 2024/25 campaign, with the Hammers struggling in the final third without Fullkrug so far.
The experienced German was signed to be a star at the London Stadium, and once he gets a run of games in the side as a fully fit striker, he will hit the ground running.
Lopetegui’s side have won just two games in all competitions so far. While they have been up against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in that time, seven goals scored and 14 conceded is not good enough.
Fullkrug’s return will hopefully come at a time when results and performances have massively improved.
In other West Ham news, Darren Bent reacted to “scathing” comments made by an ex-Hammers player, he doesn’t want Lopetegui.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.