Paqueta, Fullkrug, Summerville: West Ham injury news and expected return dates ahead of Leicester City clash
The latest injury news from West Ham as they prepare for big games against Leicester and Newcastle
Graham Potter is targeting back-to-back league victories for the first time since becoming West Ham boss in this week’s home clash with strugglers Leicester City.
The Hammers produced a well-drilled and disciplined performance last time out to record a 1-0 victory away against title hopefuls Arsenal - marking Potter’s fourth win at the Emirates Stadium in five attempts - thus making him the third most successful visiting manager to the ground with only Pep Guardiola (8) and Jurgen Klopp (6) having a better track record in the visiting dugout since the stadium opened.
“The win at Arsenal proves West Ham fans can be excited about what is to come in the future with Potter at the wheel.” said National World’s James Jones on the We Are West Ham podcast.
Potter, however, is more than aware that he needs to back-up that performance with another positive result if his team are to end the season on a high. Speaking with BBC Sport, he explained: “In the Premier League every game is complicated and tough. The opponent has always got something to fight for, always got something to prove, some quality against you. This is the case with Leicester, they will be looking to turn their fortunes around. You have to respect and have humility for the opponents which we have.”
West Ham have navigated their way through a number of injury difficulties in recent weeks and will hope to end the season on a high ahead of a busy summer, but just how close are they to welcoming back some of their big-name players? Here’s the latest West Ham injury round-up.
West Ham’s defender and midfield injuries
West Ham right-back Vladimir Coufal has missed the last three games with a thigh problem. The Czech Republic international has already been ruled out for this week’s game against Leicester, but has one eye on a potential return for the upcoming test against Newcastle United.
Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta is also a notable absentee in the middle of the park. The former Lyon star has been out for the last two games with a foot injury and is pushing for a return in mid-March.
Potter explained via Premier Injuries: “Both players are progressing but won’t make the squad on Thursday. Vladi certainly has a chance for Newcastle, and Lucas, we’ll have to keep an eye on him.”
West Ham’s attacking injuries
West Ham’s marquee summer signing Crysencio Summerville has struggled with injuries since making the move down south from Leeds United. He is making progress to return from his thigh problem and is expected to return by early April.
Striker Niclas Füllkrug’s short career at the London Stadium so far has also been blighted by persistent injuries, and he has managed just 11 matches since his summer move. No sooner had the 31-year-old returned from an Achilles issue than he sustained a hamstring problem to replace it, and he has subsequently missed the last seven games. The German striker is thought to be working hard behind the scenes on his rehabilitation but an exact timeline on his return still hasn’t been determined.
Meanwhile, Michail Antonio, the club’s top scorer of the Premier League era, is unlikely to play again this season after a road traffic accident back in December. “He’s at home with his family, and I’m sure he’s going to try and recover as quickly as possible,” said Potter back in January.
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