Julen Lopetegui’s team is still without a new striker as they aim for a crucial Premier League win. The Stratford-based club invested over £100 million on new players during the summer, leading to higher expectations for the start of the 2024/25 season, but results have not met those expectations.
Unfortunately, new recruit Niclas Fullkrug has been sidelined since his arrival due to an injury sustained while on international duty.
As Lopetegui looks for three vital points this Saturday, here’s the latest injury news from both West Ham and Ipswich:
**West Ham**
On Wednesday, October 2, it was confirmed that Germany international Fullkrug would be unavailable until after the international break. When asked about his possible return this weekend, Lopetegui stated: “No, he’s not back until after the international break. His injury has taken longer than we first thought.”
Fullkrug, recovering from calf and Achilles issues, is now not expected back until at least the match against Tottenham Hotspur on October 19. However, West Ham does welcome Edson Alvarez back after he served a one-match suspension for a second yellow card in the team’s 1-1 draw at Brentford.
**Ipswich**
30-year-old Janoi Donacien remains unavailable due to a minor ankle injury incurred while on international duty with Saint Lucia. His head coach, Kieran McKenna, noted on September 19: “He’s just come back from international duty and has got a small ankle injury. He’s still with us, is getting some treatment and is looking at the next steps.”
Both Harry Clarke and Nathan Broadhead are doubts for the match, though Broadhead is closer to returning from a thigh injury. McKenna mentioned over the weekend: “Nathan has been training well for the last week or so, so we’ve almost got a fully fit squad.”
Regarding Clarke, McKenna confirmed on September 19: “Harry is a little bit further behind, but he’s trained the majority of the sessions this week. If we were in big, big need, he could probably get on the pitch this weekend, but we’re pretty strong in that position.”
