Niclas Füllkrug
MILTravels to Milan
Fullkrug (thigh) was spotted in Milan to undergo a medical to sign on loan with the Italian club, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Fullkrug has been sidelined for the last two games due to a thigh injury and will likely not play for West Ham United again this season, as he was authorized to travel to Milan to undergo a medical ahead of a potential loan spell with the Italians for the second part of the season. That said, it remains to be seen whether the striker truly has an injury or simply was not in the coach's plans.
Ruled out Saturday
Fullkrug (thigh) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Manchester City.
Analysis: Fullkrug is ruled out of Saturday's match against Manchester City despite taking taking part in team training sessions in recent days. Coach Nuno Esperito Santo indicated the striker was close to return but he is ultimately not available for Saturday's clash against the Citizens. The German striker has yet to score a goal this season.
Doing partial training
Fullkrug was involved in parts of training Thursday as he works his way back from a thigh injury, manager Nuno Espirito Santo told media during Thursday's press conference. "We have no major issues. Niclas returned to part of the session today. Malick and Aaron are out, but we hope everybody else will be available."
Analysis: Fullkrug participated in parts of training Thursday, but the manager said the striker should be available to face Manchester City on Saturday. The German striker has yet to score a goal this season.
On bench in return
Fullkrug (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Fullkrug returned to training during the break, and was named on the bench for Saturday's clash against the Cherries, suggesting the staff is comfortable with his progress but not enough to give him a starting role. He has missed the Hammers' last four games due to a thigh injury and has yet to score a goal this season.
Could return Saturday
Fullkrug (thigh) could return Saturday against Bournemouth, manager Nuno Espirito Santo told media during Thursday's pre-match press conference. "They're getting better day-by-day and we still have the training session tomorrow to see, evaluate and decide [their status]," Nuno said.
Analysis: Fullkrug returned to training during the break, though a final decision on his status will likely be made after Friday's training session. Fullkrug has missed the Hammers' last four games due to a thigh injury and has yet to score a goal this season in six appearances (five starts).
Eyeing return after break
Fullkrug (thigh) is out for Saturday's match against Burnley and eyeing a return following the international break, according to manager Nuno Espirito Santo. "[Niclas is] improving. [He] is with the group. We have the international break, and I'm hopeful he'll be back after that."
Analysis: Fullkrug is still dealing with his thigh injury, and despite making slight improvements to train with the group partially, the forward will miss yet another match. He will instead focus on recovery during the international break and return when they resume play against Bournemouth on Nov. 22. If no setbacks occur, he appears to be moving in the right direction to be fit by then, likely narrowly missing out Saturday and just not being risked. Callum Wilson will look to earn the start at forward again in Fullkurg's place.
Will miss more time
Fullkrug (thigh) is ruled out for the time being due to injury and hasn't a precise timeline to return yet, coach Nuno Espirito Santos said in the press conference. "Niclas is out. We're still not sure when for Niclas, but he's not totally with the group yet."
Analysis: Fullkrug has suffered a torn muscle in his thigh prior to the last international break and is expected to miss more time since he isn't involved with the squad and doesn't have a precise timeline to return. His absence leaves some space in the frontline, with Callum Wilson the main option to step in while he is out.
Waiting for scan results
Fullkrug (thigh) is waiting for the results of a scan to determine exactly how long he'll be sidelined for, manager Nuno Espirito Santo told media Friday. "He (Fullkrug) has just had a scan, and we're waiting for the results. After that, we'll be able to say exactly how long he's going to be out. Hopefully he's back as soon as possible."
Analysis: Fullkrug suffered a torn muscle in his thigh prior to the international break, but the results will determine exactly how long he'll be sidelined for. Callum Wilson is expected to lead the attacking line as long as Fullkrug remains sidelined.
Set for sideline
Fullkrug (thigh) is set for an extended spell on the sideline, per manager Nuno Espirito Santo. "Fullkrug is injured and will be out for a while,"
Analysis: Fullkrug suffered a torn muscle in his thigh prior to the international break and now seems set for a spell on the sideline. The forward is a major blow, though he has struggled despite his starting role this season. Santo specifically named Callum Wilson as the man in line for more minutes up top with Fullkrug sidelined.
Suffers torn muscle in thigh
Fullkrug looks to have suffered a torn muscle in his thigh and is expected to remain out for the time being, confirmed German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann per Sportschau.
Analysis: This is not good news for Fullkrug, who could miss significant time with a thigh injury. He continues to struggle after six PL games played with no goals while recording just eight shots (three on target) in five starts. This will likely force Jarrod Bowen to play as the No. 9, already scoring three goals on the season.
Well-rounded effort in draw
Fullkrug recorded two shots (one on goal) and three chances created in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Everton.
Analysis: Fullkrug registered multiple shots for a third time in five appearances this season. He also set a season high with three chances created and tied his season high with 15 completed passes. Additionally, he stood out with a tackle won and an interception in the same game for the first time on the campaign.
Makes bench Saturday
Fullkrug (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's game against Tottenham.
Analysis: The German striker was a late call for this fixture and will be an option off the bench. West Ham aren't playing with a true striker in this game, so if things get complicated, Fullkrug could see minutes at some point of the game.
Late call against Tottenham
Fullkrug (calf) will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Tottenham, coach Graham Potter said in the press conference. "Niclas has had a slight issue with his calf on international duty. He's trained lightly today, so we'll see how he reacts."
Analysis: Fullkrug suffered a slight calf injury while on international duty with Germany and has trained only lightly on Thursday. The striker will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Spurs. That said, if he has to miss the game, newcomer Callum Wilson is expected to start in the frontline to lead the attack.
Misses match with calf injury
Fullkurg was absent from Thursday's 2-0 loss to Slovakia due to a calf injury, according to manager Julian Nagelsmann, per Ardmediathek.de. "There's no structural injury. It's a precautionary measure."
Analysis: Fullkrug was held out of Germany's friendly Thursday and is now sweating about his fitness upon his return to West Ham to resume play due to his calf injury. However, it does appear to be more cautionary, with the forward no revaeling any major injury after scans. He will now hope he can regain fitness when his club returns from the break on Sept. 13 against Tottenham.
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