West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui has said that Niclas Fullkrug is facing a late fitness test ahead of the London derby against Chelsea.

The German international returned to full training on Friday and, asked about the player’s situation during his pre-match press conference, Lopetegui said:

“He’s trying to be ready and OK. But we have to have the last view with the medical team.”

Fullkrug has been sidelined since the international break due to Achilles tendonitis. The forward needed time for the swelling to calm down before being ready for selection once again.

Do West Ham have any other injury concerns heading into the Chelsea match?

There were concerns that Emerson Palmieri would not be available to face his formal club. He was forced off against Fulham after picking up a knock. However, Lopetegui has confirmed that there is a chance that the left-back will be in the matchday squad this weekend:

“Fortunately, it wasn’t a big knock for Emerson. It’s still Thursday [when speaking] and 48 hours or so before the match. There is still time where we need to review things. We will evaluate him again tomorrow [on Friday] and see where we are.”

The latest Chelsea team news ahead of the game against West Ham

Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed that both Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are in contention once again. The pair missed the win over Bournemouth due to illness.

Four other players are, though, still on the treatment table. Romeo Lavia (hamstring) and Malo Gusto (thigh) are closing in on a return to fitness, having taken part in some training sessions, but they won’t be in the travelling party for the Irons game.

Reece James (hamstring) has suffered another setback in his recovery, while summer signing Omari Kellyman is currently undergoing rehabilitation on a knee injury.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here