Reports are beginning to emerge that West Ham striker Niclas Füllkrug could return in time to face Arsenal on November 30.
With one game before then against Newcastle at St James Park on Monday, it could mean that the Hammers’ injury-prone summer signing from Borussia Dortmund might make his first start in what could be Julen Lopetegui’s last chance to save his job at West Ham.
Although the club has avoided issuing the usual ‘three more games’ ultimatum to their Spanish head coach, it seems unlikely that Lopetegui could lose the next two fixtures and remain in charge.
Therefore, Füllkrug’s return could be perfectly timed—or arrive too little too late—for the former Wolves, Madrid, and Spain manager, who is now under immense pressure.
Certainly, Lopetegui can consider himself unlucky to have been without his main striker, who has been sidelined since picking up an injury on international duty in September. It would be ironic and somewhat unfortunate if Lopetegui’s successor—whoever that may be—gets the luxury of a £27m striker as soon as they take over at West Ham.
Regardless of who the head coach is, Füllkrug remains unsettled in England. Even if his return to fitness coincides with saving Lopetegui’s job, it’s doubtful he’ll stay at the London Stadium long-term.
