West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui could have the added bonus of a fit Niclas Füllkrug for tomorrow’s trip to Fulham.
Füllkrug picked up a knock while training on international duty and was subsequently left out of the four-time Julian Nagelsmanns’ squad for their 2-2 draw with Holland.
The 31-year-old German scored against Hungary three days earlier, having made four appearances for the Irons in the early stages of the domestic campaign, and looked set to miss the Hammers’ return to Premier League action this weekend.
However, head coach Lopetegui gave a positive update in yesterday’s pre-match press conference: “Yesterday, Niclas was a bit better, and we just need to keep an eye on him. I think we will make a final decision on him tomorrow.”
Clearly, the Spaniard was referring to the striker undergoing a late fitness test ahead of the match, which is vastly different from the month on the side-lines many feared when he picked up the injury.
Michail Antonio is believed to be fit and ready following his goal for Jamaica against Honduras but only returned home yesterday. Therefore, Lopetegui will have a decision to make, with neither striker having trained with the first team for two weeks.