West Ham United Head Coach Julen Lopetegui says one unnamed player faces a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s Premier League encounter at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Hammers welcome the Seagulls to London Stadium looking to stretch their unbeaten league run to three matches, and with another quick turnaround for their home return, following Monday's 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth, the Spaniard confirmed a late decision will be made on their involvement this weekend.
Elsewhere, defender Emerson is eligible for selection for the clash with Fabian Hürzeler's team, having completed his one-match suspension, while Carlos Soler is set to serve a one-match ban for picking up his fifth booking of the season away at the Cherries last time out.
Lopetegui also reiterated the importance of Niclas Füllkrug in providing the squad with experience and depth, with the Germany international continuing to work hard to prove he’s ready to make his first Premier League start.
“It’s true that this morning we had a little problem with one player,” said the boss, during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “We will have to check and assess the issue this evening on whether he will start or not, but the squad list will be very similar, and there might be one change.
“I think [Niclas] Füllkrug had an injury for three months that was unfortunate for him and for us, but he’s recovered the rhythm and is ready to be a part of the demanding Premier League. He’s getting better step by step, and I assure you he’s going to become a very important and experienced player for us, and the team is going to need him.
“Sometimes people only put a focus on the [starting] line-up, but in today’s football the players on the bench have the same, if not more, importance sometimes. They’re the ones who can change a game and are a key part of the squad.”
