Lopetegui Confirms HN Exclusive on West Ham Star with No Clear Return Date

It may seem odd that Julen Lopetegui is already facing pressure at West Ham, but that is the reality of his situation just six Premier League games into the season.

 

Media scrutiny is expected, especially after replacing a fan-favorite like David Moyes.

 

Moyes was a manager well-liked by the press, and when Lopetegui took over, many warned that West Ham should “be careful what they wish for.”

 

The hope among fans was that Lopetegui would bring a more exciting style of football than what was seen under Moyes. However, so far, the performances have been underwhelming.

 

In addition to a lack of excitement on the pitch, the results have not been favorable either, with only one win from their first six league games.

 

This poor start has made it difficult for Lopetegui to win over supporters and buy time to implement his vision.

Adding to his difficulties is the fact that many West Ham fans are already doubting Lopetegui, which only increases the media pressure.

 

The club’s owners have also made it clear that upcoming matches against Brentford and Ipswich were “huge” for the team, underscoring the importance of results.

 

While a draw at Brentford wasn’t disastrous, it was still underwhelming given the injury crisis West Ham has faced.

 

The performance against Brentford was far from convincing, and the team continues to look vulnerable defensively, a problem that has persisted all season.

 

Despite these challenges, there are glimpses of hope at the back. Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman are forming a partnership that could lead to significant defensive improvement over time.

 

However, the real problem lies in West Ham’s lack of cutting edge up front.

 

 

Despite having talented attackers like Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, and Crysencio Summerville, the team has created the fewest big chances in the Premier League.

 

This puts immense pressure on the forwards to take advantage of the limited opportunities they do create.

 

Unfortunately, the player West Ham signed to lead their attack, Niclas Fullkrug, has been sidelined for the last four games with an Achilles and calf injury that he sustained during the September international break while on duty with the German national team.

 

Lopetegui has now confirmed reports that Fullkrug is expected to be out until at least after the October international break, a revelation that first came to light in an exclusive from Hammers News.

 

Last Friday, just before the Brentford game, Hammers News broke the news that Fullkrug would not return to action until after the international break.

 

This was a blow to West Ham, especially after Lopetegui had initially suggested in a press conference that Fullkrug had been training and could be available for Brentford.

 

Now, Lopetegui has confirmed the earlier reports, revealing that Fullkrug’s return is likely to be delayed until at least the Tottenham game.

 

In a statement on the club’s website, Lopetegui commented on Fullkrug’s injury, saying, “Regarding injuries, we have the Fullkrug injury—he continues to be out.

 

He’s had some little problems, and it’s true that he’s been unavailable between the two international breaks, but hopefully, he’ll be ready for the matches when we come back.”

 

The use of the word “hopefully” is telling, as it suggests there is still no guarantee that Fullkrug will be back in time for the crucial game against Spurs.

 

When Fullkrug’s injury was first reported, it was suggested that he could miss anywhere from six weeks to three months.

 

By the time West Ham face Spurs, exactly six weeks will have passed since the September international break.

 

Fullkrug’s injury requires rest to heal properly, and while mild cases can resolve in as little as three weeks, more severe injuries can take several months to heal.

 

Given Fullkrug’s history of injuries throughout his career, this latest setback raises questions about his signing.

Achilles and calf injuries can be tricky, causing ongoing pain and discomfort until they are fully healed.

 

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for this kind of injury, and Fullkrug will likely remain sidelined until he is completely recovered.

 

West Ham will be hoping Fullkrug can return for the Spurs game, as they desperately need his presence in attack.

 

Lopetegui, in particular, will be counting on him, as the pressure continues to mount on the Spanish manager.

 

A fully fit Fullkrug could make a significant difference for West Ham’s attack, which has been surprisingly ineffective so far this season.

 

In the meantime, Lopetegui will need to find a way to get results without his main striker, as the team cannot afford to slip further down the Premier League table.

 

The next few weeks will be crucial for Lopetegui and West Ham as they navigate this challenging period.