Worrying new whispers from inside West Ham about Niclas Fullkrug shared by several top sources

A grand total of 53 – yes FIFTY-THREE – have been signed by the Hammers since David Sullivan’s arrival in 2010.

In the 14-and-a-half years since, very few have been roaring successes.

Those who have been hits seem to either get injured, fizzle out like a firework or do well and don’t stick around long.

Many fans are convinced the ‘West Ham striker curse’ is real.

And they believe Niclas Fullkrug is the latest proof.

West Ham had to go out and get a bona fide top class striker in the summer.

David Moyes chose not to replace Gianluca Scamacca after he last just one season.

After refusing to pay Villa’s £40-45m asking price for Jhon Duran, Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui turned their attentions to Fullkrug.

While the media deemed the move for the German star impressive, eyebrows were raised among many Hammers fans.

Not least because of his age and lack of pace. But more so Fullkrug’s long history of serious injuries.

The striker himself insisted playing week in, week out and training every single day in recent years had been key to avoiding the injuries which have dogged his career.

So much so when he first met vice-chair Karren Brady to sign on the dotted line for West Ham, Fullkrug asked “Where can I train?”

However, Lopetegui, in his wisdom, elected to keep Fullkrug on the bench for the first three Premier League games.

Growing ever rusty while the rest of the team and Premier League got up to match speed and fitness, Fullkrug then suffered an Achilles and calf injury during 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.

In his pre-Spurs press conference, Lopetegui delivered the crushing news that Fullkrug has suffered complications and has no timeframe on his return.

Well believe it or not, things could actually be even worse.

Worrying new whispers from inside West Ham about Fullkrug have been shared by several top sources.

Sean Whetstone, who counts Sullivan among his close contacts, and sources at Give Me Sport both claim the word around West Ham is that the Fullkrug injury could actually more serious than the club have been letting on.

“Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that forward Niclas Fullkrug will not be available for selection Spurs away game on Saturday,” Whetstone said.

“The German centre-forward has not taken to the pitch since he suffered an injury in his calf and Achilles area while featuring for Germany on international duty last month and has missed the Hammers’ last five games in all competitions.

“Fullkrug is reported to have returned to Germany during the international break to continue his recovery.

“Club sources had hoped he would return to the bench at the weekend and perhaps get a few minutes under his belt against Spurs, but rumours persist that his injury is worse than the club are letting on.”

Meanwhile Give Me Sport’s exclusive report claims sources have indicated the club are worried Fullkrug may not return until next year.

The exclusive report claims West Ham are concerned Fullkrug won’t be returning anytime soon.

And there is frustration at the club because it is highly unlikely there will be money available to sign a replacement in January.

The fact West Ham are allegedly concerned they won’t be able to bring a forward in come January, very much suggests there are fears Fullkrug could be out long-term.

Or else why would they need to be thinking or worrying about buying a replacement in the next window?

They say there’s no use crying over spilt milk. But the Duran decision looks worse with every passing day.

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