West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug is not expected to feature against Tottenham this weekend, according to the Claret & Hugh.

It was hoped that the German international would return immediately after the international break but a source has told the website that the chances of that happening are low:

“At best, he might play a few minutes off the bench. He’s lost fitness due to the injury.”

Fullkrug has not been able to train for over a month due to tendonitis in his Achilles. The issue has taken longer to settle down than initially anticipated.

A comeback against Manchester United is now pencilled in

With the prospect of Fullkrug playing in the London derby now remote, the focus will now be on getting the forward fit for the Hammers’ next match.

After taking on Spurs, Julen Lopetegui’s side will host Manchester United at the London Stadium on Sunday 27th October. Based on the latest information, it’s unlikely that Fullkrug will be able to start that game either but he may play more of a role as a substitute.

Who will West Ham play up front against Tottenham?

Michail Antonio is the prime candidate to start the derby, having scored the opener in the Irons’ last fixture against Ipswich Town at the start of this month.

It is important to point out, though, that Antonio will be returning to action after playing for Jamaica against Honduras on Tuesday night.

The Spurs match is an early kickoff on Saturday so the 34-year-old won’t have much rest. He was substituted with 10 minutes to go midweek but that won’t make much of an impact.

Fans will be hoping that Antonio is fit and raring to go, despite the long-haul flight and potential jet lag.

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