West Ham remains tight-lipped about Niclas Fullkrug’s return to full fitness, sparking fears the 31-year-old striker could be out for the season.
The German international was initially expected back in September after sustaining an injury during international duty. However, with nine games and 69 days already missed, his history of lengthy absences raises concerns.
Back in the 2018-2019 season, Fullkrug was side-lined for 157 days, missing 22 games due to cartilage and knee damage. The following season, a cruciate ligament tear kept him out for 266 days, resulting in 33 missed matches.
Similarly, in 2012-2013, cartilage and ankle damage saw him side-lined for 161 days and 33 games, while the 2014-2015 season brought a similar injury, costing him 164 days and 18 games.
Since 2012-2013, Fullkrug has suffered injuries in every season except 2015-2016, spending a staggering total of 1,055 days in the physio room and missing 156 games. Despite these setbacks, he has scored 56 goals in 157 Bundesliga appearances, 47 goals in 135 Bundesliga 2 games, and boasts an impressive 14 goals in 22 matches for the national team.
His latest issue, Achilles tendon irritation, has limited him to indoor and partial grass training, with West Ham’s medical team closely monitoring his progress. Reports suggest the club sought alternative remedies, including sending Fullkrug to Germany for specialist assessment several weeks ago.
A senior club source told Claret and Hugh today that Fullkrug has struggled to settle in London, which could partly explain his recurring absences.
