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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Andy Sims

Julen Lopetegui hints at West Ham injury boost for Fulham clash

West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug could be fit to face Fulham despite being injured on international duty.

The 31-year-old, a £27million summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, scored the opening goal in Germany's 5-0 Nations League win over Hungary.

But Fullkrug went off early in the second half with a calf problem and played no part in Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann went as far as to say there was no chance Fullkrug would be fit to play in the Premier League this weekend.

However, Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui has not ruled out the possibility of him leading the attack at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"He has a bit of a problem, which is a pity, but we'll see," said Lopetegui. "We are evaluating him. Yesterday he was a little bit better. I think tomorrow (Friday) we are going to take the last decision about him.

"He has had a knock in the match day with Germany. Afterwards he had pain. That's why we are waiting for how he's going to be. Yesterday was better but let's see what is going to happen in the next days.

"He is doing little things in training but we are step by step and day by day. Let's see. 'Fulla', I hope is going to be ready in the next days."

Fellow forward Michail Antonio will also be assessed having only just arrived back in east London following international duty with Jamaica.

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