“Just in Time” | Lopetegui Reveals Surprising Striker Return Date

West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui has revealed that striker Niclas Füllkrug is ready to return to action and could feature in next week’s Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The £27m summer signing from Borussia Dortmund has been side-lined for three months with an Achilles injury picked up during international duty with Germany.

Lopetegui shared the update during his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s clash against Leicester City. While there’s a slim chance Füllkrug could make the bench for the game at the King Power Stadium, the Hammers boss tempered expectations.

“Füllkrug is improving and is very close,” said the Irons boss. “Tomorrow, I think, is going to be difficult, but hopefully, he will be ready in the next matches. He won’t be fully fit—three months is a long time without matches—but thankfully, he is close to recovery.”

Lopetegui also provided a fitness update on Mohammed Kudus: “I won’t talk about the line-up. Mohammed Kudus is back, but he’s missed a lot of matches. He’s fit and ready, which is good news for us because it’s a good thing to have more players available.”

Lopetegui’s comments offered some optimism following a tough weekend for the Hammers. With Füllkrug yet to make his Premier League debut since arriving at the London Stadium, his return could feel like a new signing for West Ham fans and teh manager himself.