Evening Standard
·25 November 2024
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·25 November 2024
Julen Lopetegui remains without two key forwards for trip to St James’ Park
West Ham will not be able to call on either Niclas Fullkrug or Mohammed Kudus for their Premier League clash against Newcastle tonight.
Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui is reportedly under mounting pressure after a dreadful start to the season, having won only three of his opening 11 top-flight games ahead of the trip to St James’ Park.
Lopetegui is definitely without Mohammed Kudus through suspension after the Ghana forward was hit with an additional two-match ban following his red card against Tottenham last month.
The Irons will also be missing Fullkrug again, with the striker still recovering from the Achilles tendon injury that has ruled him out since September.
Lopetegui said on Friday: “Niclas is improving, but he’s still out and is not ready for Newcastle.”
Wait continues: West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug continues to battle injury problems
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Edson Alvarez, however, is free from suspension after the red card he received in the defeat to Nottingham Forest saw him sit out the 0-0 draw with Everton before the international break.
Alphonse Areola has returned to training and could come straight back into the starting lineup, having missed the last three matches due to injury.
Lopetegui revealed there are two members of his squad dealing with knocks, but did not name them.
“We have a little problem with two players, but we have to check tomorrow, and I hope they’re going to be ready for the next challenge on Monday,” Lopetegui said.
“I hope they’re going to be better tomorrow as they are little things, so we hope we can overcome this problem.
Predicted West Ham XI: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Rodriguez, Bowen, Soucek, Paqueta, Summerville, Antonio
Suspended: Kudus
Injured: Fullkrug
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Monday November 25, 2024
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
TV channel: Sky Sports