West Ham may have to wait for Niclas Fullkrug to return to action. Earlier today, club sources confirmed to Claret and Hugh that the German striker will return to London this weekend but will be forced to watch from the West stand at the London Stadium and will not be included in the match-day squad.
Fullkrug is thought to have received HVI injections in Germany, which require at least three days of rest, then, he will be able to add pressure to his foot as he recovers from match fitness slowly.
Fullkrug is said to be suffering from a condition called Achilles Tendinopathy (previously known as Achilles tendinitis) which generally occurs when there has been excessive load (strain) placed through the tendon. The tendon may be weaker in some individual athletes due to factors such as age, muscle tightness and previous injury (e.g. rupture).
With tendinopathy, there are structural changes to the tendon and clinically you see thickening and tenderness over the tendon.
The most common remedy involves injecting a small volume (25-30 ml) of solution into the space between the tendon and its sheath (tendon cover). This solution contains salt (saline) water and local anaesthetic. This solution acts to induce the healing process and reduces pain. The procedure is carried out under ultrasound guidance by a trained doctor. The treatment is successful in over 50% of patients.
