West Ham take on bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League next weekend but they could have a major new issue.
West Ham and Tottenham will be going into their Premier League clash in very different moods after the international break.
Spurs welcome the Hammers to north London for a 12.30pm kick-off in 10 days’ time on Saturday October 19th.
West Ham finally breathed some life into the tenure of new boss Julen Lopetegui with a convincing 4-1 win over Ipswich.
Meanwhile rivals Tottenham Hotspur blew a 2-0 half-time lead at Brighton to lose 3-2.
The demoralising defeat puts pressure on Ange Postecoglou while Lopetegui is feeling less of it after West Ham’s much-needed win.
There is no love lost between West Ham and Tottenham, on or off the pitch.
Rivalries will resume and as well taking the bragging rights, the Hammers can go above Spurs with a win.
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Make no mistake, though, Lopetegui is still under pressure too.
And Tottenham away marks the start of another difficult run of games.
The Spaniard has been operating with pretty much a full squad all season.
After making nine signings in the summer, West Ham’s options are among their strongest for many years.
Except up front.
Spurs clash had been mooted for return of injured West Ham star
Until the 4-1 win over Ipswich, the Hammers had looked somewhat toothless. That’s despite having talents such as Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Crysencio Summerville.
Many feel that has been down to the man they signed to make sure they are ruthless and not toothless – Niclas Fullkrug – has missed the last five games.
Fullkrug picked up an Achilles and calf injury during the September international break with Germany.
He has not been seen since for West Ham.
Ahead of the Brentford game recently Hammers News shared a big blow from inside the club that Fullkrug was out until after the October international break.
It was then revealed there was no guarantee the Germany forward would be back for the Tottenham game.
Fullkrug teased he could be back for Tottenham in a social media post this week.
Now West Ham have responded to devastating claim about new star Fullkrug ahead of Spurs.
Eyebrows were raised when the Hammers opted to sign 31-year-old Fullkrug in the summer.
Many fans wanted to see the club sign a young, dynamic striker with pace.
Hammers News even revealed majority owner David Sullivan desperately wanted new Spurs striker Dominic Solanke but could match their £65m offer.
West Ham respond to devastating Fullkrug claim ahead of Spurs
Jhon Duran was another big target. But West Ham ended up going for Fullkrug despite his worrying injury record.
Supporters have voiced anger that Fullkrug has rather inevitably missed half the season so far through injury.
Now top sources inside West Ham have responded over claims Fullkrug will miss the Tottenham game and perhaps many more as he needs an operation.
Speaking to Sean Whetstone, the top brass at West Ham are not categorically ruling out that an operation is needed for the German striker.
But they are unaware if that is the case and the hope is that he will be available for Tottenham, to take his place on the bench at least.
“Club sources are in the dark over claims that Niclas Fullkrug needs an operation,” Whetstone said.
“The club source insisted they had heard nothing about any West Ham player requiring an operation but admitted anything was possible.
“The last medical update the club source was told is Fullkrug is expected to be on or near the bench for the away trip against Spurs.”
Postecoglou on the other hand has received a boost after it emerged he will welcome back three key Tottenham stars for the West Ham game.