The London Evening Standard has published an article today on injured West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug that will have Hammers fans more than a little worried.
Without boring anyone by rehashing old news, the German striker got injured on international duty in September and hasn’t played since.
West Ham’s £27m summer signing from Dortmund was expected to return quickly, but the full extent of his injury has remained shrouded in mystery.
Concerningly, It now appears the Hammers’ medical team is as uncertain about the injury as anyone else. The Standard’s revelation that “West Ham’s medical team have sought alternative remedies from those typically used for such an injury” is highly worrying.
While I doubt the medics have opted for a séance, snake oil, or a sprinkling of rhino horn, the fact that a remedy cannot be found within traditional medicine does not bode well.
To add to the unease, Fullkrug travelled back to Germany in search of a miracle cure, further hinting that no one knows what’s going on.
The Standard ended its article by stating, “West Ham medical staff are understood to be reluctant to put a timeframe on [Fullkrug’s] return.” Whilst it’s reasonable for the physios to avoid giving inaccurate dates, this suggests that fans hoping to see Fullkrug in Claret and Blue this November might be in for disappointment.
No mystery/ ‘haven’t got a clue’. He’s simply seeking specialist care from an appropriate source as with any medical/ surgical condition. Be that in Germany or England.
However that doesn’t make a good headline.
Why would the fans be worried or disappointed? We basically have no clue what he might or might not bring to the team. The longer this sorry saga goes on the more convinced I become that once again WHU have been taken for a ride. Somebody needs to start including performance related clauses into player and management contracts.
Can’t understand why we paid that money or go for a younger player in the first place
What an absolute waste of money
Even if he does get fit his got no pace
Lee chapman would have probably roasted him over 50 yards
I am unclear on the rules but at his age we may end up with a top result, from a player we should never have bought. Part of me wants him to not recover and the German FA to pay compensation (25M). If we could cancel the contract that free’s up wages as well- then, possibly, we might use the money to buy a young, fit, hungry striker (but of course it may get lost in the “we are way over budget” statement from the board). What is true is that his salary should be paid by the German FA while he is unfit. Realistically January we could lose- Antonio, Ings, Cresswell and Coufal- due to end of contracts in 6 months. I suspect is Lupo is still there Kudos will go- I see no rational for keeping Solet (again massive wages)so another new team- fantastic!
Surely the Board must be asking- if the players we just spent 100M+ on are not the type of players to suit the Lupo style (is there one?) then they either completely rebuild or simply change the manager- players like Soucek, Bassaka, Paqueta are simply not going to change the way they play or fit into different roles.
There is a complete disconnect between what the Manager wants and what Steiden thinks we need. In any other business one qould quickly change one of those two people.
Spot on mate! We’re a shambles. I wonder if our young Brazilian will turn out to be as useful as Anderson.
Achilles injuries are very difficult to predict. Alternatives probably mean injections and rest rather than longer term going under the knife if not a complete rupture.
Sometimes too many injections make the tendon even weaker , it can be a fine line
Would you like me to explain it again or do you feel it necessary to attempt to protect the W.H. hierarchy?
All the Medics know the problem , which I have explained to you , so why are you acting in such a naive manner , with your snake oils etc.this does nothing for your readers . please get up to date !
What a waste of money ..Injured or not …27 for a 30 year old injury prone striker..only at west ham
Absolutely shocking
Its easy to come on here and moan and take the pee. But give the bloke a break.. he’s not injured himself on purpose. Blame Lopetegui Steidten and Sully. They got him in to save money. Now they’re paying the price. Served em right. Nothing changes at our joke of a club. Not a circus anymore? How do you feel Marc?
Gonzo, can you kindly please run a poll so we can all vote if fans want JLo to stay?
That would be something I’d really like to see on C&H and I’d hope the “Top Source” C&H always refer to would see the results.
It would be much more interesting and informative than made up stories concerning supposed transfer targets or managers linked to the club via dubious journalists that then appear on here.
Matt, Sean Whetstone ran a poll on twitter X. The twitter page was published on Claret and Hugh to allow readers to take part.
In a pretty overwhelming response it was clear which way respondents felt the wind is blowing: Of those replying to the question “Do you back head coach Julen Lopetegui to turn things around with results at West Ham this season?”
The response was 85% No and 15% Yes.
Thanks David, I must’ve missed that 🙏
85% is an overwhelming vote of no confidence in JLo. I’m just surprised 15% actually think he can turn things around.
Would be great to have a follow up multiple choice….”How long should JLo get?”
A) End of the Season
B) End of December
C) End of November
D) End of the week
Really appreciate you getting back to me 👍