Head Coach Julen Lopetegui says Niclas Füllkrug is making positive strides on his road to recovery from injury, ahead of Monday’s Premier League trip to Newcastle United.
The German international, who has made four appearances in Claret and Blue so far following his switch from Borussia Dortmund, has been absent from the Hammers’ last eight Premier League games since he suffered an injury in his calf and Achilles area while on international duty in September.
Following the domestic scene's two-week hiatus due to the final international break of 2024, the Irons travel north for Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, looking for a second away win of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign that would boost their current 14th-place standing, but will be without Füllkrug and both Mohammed Kudus and Edson Álvarez, who are suspended after recent red cards.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola could be in line for a return to action, having been involved in training this week after missing the last two games through injury.
For now, Lopetegui confirmed that two other unnamed players are recovering from knocks, and the boss hinted that the availability of the pair will become clearer over the weekend.
“Niclas [Füllkrug] is improving, but he’s still out and is not ready for Newcastle,” the Head Coach said to the media at Rush Green training ground on Friday.
“We have a little problem with two players, but we have to check tomorrow, and I hope they’re going to be ready for the next challenge on Monday. I hope they’re going to be better tomorrow as they are little things, so we hope we can overcome this problem.
“We’re very happy with Alphonse [Areola]. He’s working well, but let’s see what’s going to happen.”
Striker Danny Ings has proven to be an effective option for this West Ham side this season, with a series of outstanding performances off the bench, and Lopetegui says everyone has a part to play over the busy festive period.
He added: “Danny [Ings] is a player who is working hard and now has space to help us. We’re happy with his commitment, and he’s a good player, and he is going to help us for sure in the next challenge.”
The starting XI for Monday’s game will be confirmed at 6.45pm, 75 minutes before kick-off, as per new Premier League rules to bring it into line with UEFA competitions.
