“Positive Update: Lopetegui Reveals Early West Ham Team News Ahead of Leicester Clash”

Fullkrug has struggled with persistent injuries since joining the London Stadium, featuring for only 63 minutes across three of West Ham’s 13 Premier League matches this season.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus has been unavailable for the last five matches following a suspension for violent conduct during the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham on 19 October.

In his pre-match press conference on 2 December, ahead of Tuesday’s (3 December) clash with Leicester City, the Irons manager provided updates on both players.

He stated: “[Fullkrug] is improving and very close.

Tomorrow, I think, will be difficult, but hopefully, he’ll be ready for the next matches. Mohammed Kudus is back.

He’s missed a lot of games, but he’s fit and ready, which is good news because it’s always beneficial to have more players available.”

The return of Kudus and the potential recovery of Fullkrug come as a significant boost for manager Julen Lopetegui, who is under pressure to improve results at the London Stadium.

West Ham’s leading contributor, Jarrod Bowen, has managed six combined goals and assists in the Premier League—double that of any other player in the squad.

However, the team has struggled for consistency, scoring more than one goal in just two of their last six matches.

Fullkrug’s signing has so far been a disappointment, with the German striker spending more time sidelined than playing.

Lopetegui will be hoping Fullkrug can return and make an impact to alleviate the growing pressure on his position, especially given Michail Antonio’s poor form.

West Ham face a favorable run of fixtures over the festive period, offering Lopetegui a chance to secure crucial points.

However, failure to capitalize on these opportunities could see the end of the Spaniard’s tenure at the club.