West Ham receive massive boost after Niclas Fullkrug's injury

During the international break, West Ham centre forward Niclas Fullkrug picked up a calf injury while training for Germany's next UEFA Nations League match against Netherlands. Initially, the injury was thought to sideline Fullkrug for around a month with the 31-year-old expected to miss around five West Ham matches including big games against Chelsea in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup fixture against Liverpool. However, the Hammers have received a massive boost regarding Niclas Fullkrug's injury and the prolific centre forward will return quickly to full fitness. 

According to a trusted West Ham source, WestHamFootball, the former Borussia Dortmund forward can be available for the fifth Premier League match against Chelsea. 

West Ham receive massive boost after Niclas Fullkrug's injury

"Niclas Fullkrug’s injury is not as serious as originally thought.

He will miss this weekend’s game against Fulham but should be fit for the following game against Chelsea."

- WestHamFootball

Therefore, Fullkrug will only miss the next away fixture against Fulham and after that, he will be ready to start in the upcoming matches. Thus, manager Julen Lopetegui has to think about the centre forward position in this match, and Michail Antonio can be started again in the fourth Premier League match as well. Another option is to play captain Jarrod Bowen as the centre forward with Mohammed Kudus coming on the right wing role, due to his brilliant dribbling and pace down the right flank. 

Former manager David Moyes also played Bowen as the starting striker in a lot of games last season, and the England international scored a lot of goals despite playing out of his preferred right wing position. On the left, new signing Cryscencio Summerville's playmaking and blistering pace will provide more good chances for the Hammers inside the box. Hence, with this lineup, West Ham should likely score more goals in the game and secure a comfortable win.

Now it remains to be seen whether Julen Lopetegui's side can take the three points from this away match against Fulham.