Niclas Fullkrug injury update shared ahead of West Ham United clash vs Fulham
Julen Lopetegui says Niclas Fullkrug has “a problem” in a new update on the West Ham United forward’s condition ahead of facing Fulham.
Speaking in the pre-Fulham press conference [12 September], the Spaniard made it public that Alphonse Areola is fit, while describing Fullkrug’s injury as “a pity”.
The Hammers’ new signing picked up an injury on international duty with Germany, suffering a potential Achilles problem, while French goalkeeper Areola was subbed off at half time against Man City.
Talking on the Fullkrug situation, Lopetegui said: “He has a bit of a problem, which is a pity, but we’ll see later today. I think tomorrow we’ll take the final decision about him.”
As for his first-choice goalkeeper, Lopetegui added: “He’s OK. He’s recovered well.”
Can West Ham get the better of Fulham?
The Irons have started the season in inconsistent form on paper, but Lopetegui’s side has actually played well.
They suffered defeat to Premier League champions Manchester City, and felt the wrath of Erling Haaland, and their other loss came to Aston Villa, with linked forward Jhon Duran making amends for his West Ham-related social media post over the summer.
The Hammers’ only win came away to Crystal Palace, which is known as a tough place to visit, a positive result by all means.
If West Ham can take three more points off Fulham then things will start to look rosy for the Europe-chasing side.
With Areola available, and Fullkrug likely to miss the next match, the 58-year-old manager may opt to play either Danny Ings or Michail Antonio, who both look eager to make an impact.
Antonio scored on international duty with Jamaica, and could prove a handful for the Cottagers’ defence.
In other West Ham news, Emerson Palmieri has made a decision on his West Ham exit.
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