Lopetegui Hints at Shock Füllkrug Snub for Brighton Showdown | OneFootball

Julen Lopetegui has dropped a massive hint that he’s set to bench Niclas Füllkrug for today’s Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium.

The big German striker was a second-half substitute in Monday night’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, and many had expected him to start today against the Seagulls. However, after hearing Lopetegui’s comments during his pre-match press conference, it seems unlikely he’ll start in Michail Antonio’s absence.

Jarrod Bowen has led the line for West Ham in the last two games, and that looks set to continue against Brighton.

Could Lopetegui be bluffing with the journalists in attendance? The Spaniard is usually tight-lipped in pre-match press conferences, but if he’s trying to throw the opposition off the scent while planning to include his summer signing from Germany, he’s done a good job.

“I think Füllkrug had an injury for three months that was unfortunate for him and for us, but he’s recovered the rhythm and is ready to be a part of the demanding Premier League. He’s getting better step by step, and I assure you he’s going to become a very important and experienced player for us, and the team is going to need him.

“Sometimes people only put a focus on the [starting] line-up, but in today’s football, the players on the bench have the same, if not more, importance sometimes. They’re the ones who can change a game and are a key part of the squad.”