West Ham early team news v Bournemouth: Lopetegui shares ‘good news’
Julen Lopetegui has shared that Niclas Fullkrug is in contention to start for West Ham United against Bournemouth on Monday.
The 31-year-old scored a consolation goal in his return to the Hammers during the 3-1 loss against Leicester City after overcoming an Achilles tendon injury that has plagued his time in East London.
However, Lopetegui revealed in his pre-match press conference [13 December, 1:19pm] that the German has fully recovered from his injury issues and could be handed his first Premier League start for the Hammers on Monday night [16 December].
“He’s been improving step by step, he has been a long time out for the injury that he had and how he [has] recover[ed] himself, and he’s day by day putting his body better,” Lopetegui said. “So, I think that it’s good news for us that he is back, and he’s gonna be ready to help us.
“But let’s see when he’s going to be or not – but step by step, he feels better, he feels stronger, so okay, we can use him in any moment.
Lopetegui added: “Yes, for sure, he’s recovered [ed]. That’s why he [has been] working with us the last 10 days. He’s working [in the] normal way with the rest of the [team]mates. So he’s ready, yes.”
Niclas Fullkrug’s West Ham United career begins now
The German international has endured a “really frustrating” spell in England since his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund, but he is now finally able to put his injury woes behind him.
West Ham reportedly shared his frustrations and offered the forward to Juventus despite shelling out £27 million to acquire his services only four months ago [Il Bianco Nero].
However, Lopetegui is out of options to lead the line in East London following Michail Antonio’s horrific car crash collision last week – the 34-year-old will be out of action for several months.
The goodwill earned from the 2-1 win against Wolves on Monday [9 December] will only stretch so far – Lopetegui must earn all nine points available from his next three fixtures to ensure his position at the London Stadium is secure [Sky Sports].
Bournemouth have already claimed the scalps of Premier League champions Manchester City and Arsenal this season – leaving the Vitality Stadium with three points will be no easy feat.
West Ham will have confidence that Fullkrug can provide the goals to further extend the gap to the relegation zone after his immediate impact against Leicester, but still, it is time for the German to prove that his acquisition was money well spent.
In other West Ham news, Luizao’s agent shares his Irons exit verdict as the Brazilian’s preferred destination has been named.
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