It is still unsure as to when Niclas Fullkrug will return to action for West Ham United as concerns over his Achilles tendon injury grow, according to The Standard.
The outlet has reported that the Hammers medical staff are “reluctant” to put a timeframe on the striker’s return after initially deeming his injury “minimal” in September. However, it hasn’t ended up like that at all. It was originally expected that Füllkrug would miss just a couple of weeks of action, but it has now been 75 days since he pulled on a Claret and Blue shirt.
Füllkrug’s prolonged absence has made the medical staff realise that his injury was not healing on its own, leading them to seek “alternative remedies”. The Germany international has not trained even with Julen Lopetegui’s team since early October, and has been working on a separate training programme.
The Hammers paid a reported £27m, an excessive amount for a 31-year-old that was relatively unproven at the top level other than a couple of seasons. Nonetheless, technical director had worked with him before and pushed hard to bring him to the club after a move for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran was rebuffed. But, it looks set to be another hugely disappointing striker signing for West Ham.
The Hammers might’ve been able to cover for Füllkrug’s injuries if there was another option. However, Michail Antonio has struggled for form this season, scoring just one goal in twelve matches. Danny Ings has looked impressive in some substitute cameos, but Julen Lopetegui doesn’t seem to want to trust him from the start. Jarrod Bowen has also failed to impress in his couple of appearances as a number nine.
The 31-year-old scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists in 46 games for Borussia Dortmund last season and also netted twice for Germany at the Euros in the summer, the Hammers are desperate for that sort of scoring form to help fire them up the table and in turn save manager Julen Lopetegui’s job. However, that doesn’t look likely to happen anytime soon.
There is no doubt that the striker is eager to get back on the pitch for the Irons.. In his Interview when he signed for the club, he spoke of his excitement to play in the Premier League after dealing with injuries throughout his career. The Standard have reported that he has been “knocked” by his lack of involvement. So both the player and Hammers fans will be hoping he can be back out on the pitch as soon as possible.