Julen Lopetegui confirms Hammers News exclusive about West Ham star and there’s no end in sight

But that is the stark reality of the Spaniard’s situation at the London Stadium just six Premier League games in.

Media pressure is one thing for the 57-year-old. That was to be expected given he replaced press pack favourite David Moyes.

Not to mention that most warned the Hammers to ‘be careful what you wish for’ when replacing Moyes with Lopetegui.

What fans wanted was to see a better, more exciting style of football than was often on show under their former boss.

So far there has been little to get behind on that score.

And with just one win from their first six league games, the results aren’t there either to buy Lopetegui time.

His big problem is many fans are also doubting him, adding to the media pressure and noise.

The club’s owners also told Lopetegui in no uncertain terms that Brentford and Ipswich were ‘huge’.

Lopetegui confirms exclusive about West Ham star

A draw at Brentford was far from a disaster. But given their injury crisis it was somewhat underwhelming and the performance unconvincing.

West Ham have looked vulnerable at the back all year let alone all season.

But there have been signs a partnership of Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman could be the foundation of a vast improvement with time.

Up front, though, the Hammers are surprisingly toothless. Despite having talents such as Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Crysencio Summerville, West Ham have created the fewest big chances in the top flight.

So that puts even more onus on players being ruthless and taking their chances when they do come along.

The issue is the man they signed to do just that is Niclas Fullkrug.

And he has missed the last four games through an Achilles and calf injury picked up during the September international break with Germany.

Now Lopetegui has confirmed a Hammers News exclusive about the West Ham star and there’s no end in sight.

Last Friday – ahead of the Brentford game – Hammers News shared a big blow from inside the club that Fullkrug was out until after the October international break.

“Sadly he is not back until after the next international break now,” the key senior contact close to West Ham’s owners told Hammers News.

At the time it had been reported Fullkrug would be back for Brentford. Especially after Lopetegui revealed in a press conference that the 31-year-old had been training.

There’s no definitive end in sight for Fullkrug injury

Now Lopetegui has confirmed what Hammers News told you last week, Fullkrug is out until the Spurs game at the very earliest.

“Regarding injuries, we have the Füllkrug injury – he continues to be out,” Lopetegui said, as reported on West Ham’s website.

“He’s had some little problems, and it’s true that he’s been unavailable between the two international breaks, but hopefully he’ll be ready for the matches when we come back.

“The rest of the players are ready, and working hard for what is an important game on Saturday.”

The fact Lopetegui uses the word ‘hopefully’ there speaks volumes.

Because the fact is, the striker is no guarantee to be back for that huge game in north London either.

Initially when word emerged about Fullkrug’s injury, it was claimed he could face at least six weeks and as many as three months out.

No guarantee Fullkrug will be back for West Ham trip to Spurs

By the time Spurs rolls around exactly six weeks will have passed since the September break.

And the injury is such that it is a case of rest to aid recovery.

Mild cases of Fullkrug’s issue can take three weeks to heal while severe episodes can run into many months.

Given Fullkrug’s history of injuries throughout his career, the unfortunate blow raises questions over the signing.

Sadly this is no quick fix with an injury of this kind as it causes pain and discomfort until it is fully healed by rest.

But everyone at West Ham will just be hoping he can get back for that Spurs game.

Because goodness knows Lopetegui needs him.

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