News that West Ham striker Niclas Füllkrug has agreed with manager Julen Lopetegui to gradually re-join the first team in a structured manner is both concerning and sensible.
According to yesterdays reports, Füllkrug’s injury situation has prompted a meeting with Lopetegui, resulting in a revised approach to Füllkrug’s comeback. He will be gradually reintegrated into the squad, with an aim of managing his workload carefully over 90-minute matches.
Earlier this week, a top West Ham source revealed to Claret & Hugh that Füllkrug’s injury has proven to be “significantly worse than initially expected.” However, the whole situation seems to have played out precisely as many predicted with the Hammers going into the season with an aging strike force.
The fact that we’re now having to wrap out top striker in cotton wool whilst praying nothing happens to Michail Antonio on international duty is far from ideal.
West Ham’s Director of Football, Tim Steidten, emphasised during an interview on German television that they see Füllkrug as a key leader within the team. The German head of Hammers transfers hopes that the striker will be fully fit in three weeks, following a cautious reintroduction after the international break.