West Ham United have been rocked by a crushing admission from boss Julen Lopetegui about striker signing Niclas Fullkrug.
Some West Ham fans were sceptical about the signing of Niclas Fullkrug in the summer.
At 31 and with an extensive injury history, many Hammers supporters felt the club should have looked elsewhere.
Those West Ham fans have had plenty of vindication since.
After being named on the bench for the first three Premier League games, Fullkrug has been out since an Achilles and calf injury in the September international break.
At the time it was claimed the injury would only keep Fullkrug out for one game.
But Hammers News revealed the injury could be worse than first feared.
While it was being reported elsewhere Fullkrug would return at Brentford, Hammers News was exclusively told the German was out until after the October break.
West Ham have since been coy on reports Fullkrug may need an operation.
But the club teased hopes he might be fit to return to the bench for the big game at Spurs.
West Ham then officially stated Fullkrug faced a late fitness text before kick-off in north London.
Now word from the horse’s mouth has brought the news many feared.
Lopetegui makes crushing admission about Fullkrug complications
Because Julen Lopetegui has made a crushing admission about complications suffered by West Ham star Fullkrug.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, West Ham’s head coach confirmed Fullkrug will miss the Spurs game.
And – as reported by Hammers News for some time now – there is no set return date as Fullkrug has suffered complications to the injury.
“I think that Fulkrug is out, but I am going to meet with the rest and we don’t have bad news about them,” Lopetegui said.
“He initially thought he had one non-important injury, but he has had complications and we are waiting to recover him.
“We thought he would be out for a maximum of two weeks, but right now he is out and I don’t say anything about how long he will be out. We will see.”
Bitter blow piles pressure on Steidten over striker call
This is a bitter blow for the Hammers.
Fullkrug’s injury has already piled pressure on technical director Tim Steidten over the decision to pay £23.5m for his compatriot.
Especially against the backdrop of Jhon Duran’s stunning form with Aston Villa and Colombia.
Until the thumping Ipswich win, West Ham have looked toothless in attack this season.
Fullkrug was the man brought in who could solve that problem.
But getting him on the pitch has been the issue.
Now the wait goes on and by the time he gets back and up to match speed half the season could be gone.
A crying shame because Lopetegui only has Michail Antonio and Danny Ings in reserve.
This news will undoubtedly see fresh calls for Lopetegui to start using Jarrod Bowen up front so that Crysencio Summerville can come into the team at Spurs.
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