West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has delivered a significant fitness boost ahead of his side's formidable Premier League assignment away at Manchester City this Saturday.
Fullkrug Returns to Bolster Attacking Options
The key update concerns German striker Niclas Fullkrug, who has returned to partial training after another spell on the sidelines. His potential availability offers a timely lift for the Hammers, who will be without Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mallick Diouf due to their participation in the African Cup of Nations.
"Niclas has returned. He returned today to part of the session, which is positive," Santo confirmed in his pre-match press conference. The manager acknowledged the striker's frustrating run, stating, "What is delaying him is small injuries that keep putting him out. Any player that does not have the continuity of games cannot reach their best."
Navigating Absences Ahead of Etihad Test
While wishing his departing players well for AFCON, Santo admitted their absence would be felt. "We are going to miss them," he said, before outlining the planned solutions. "Kyle and Ollie (Walker-Peters and Scarles) are the natural options" to fill the gaps in the squad.
The challenge awaiting at the Etihad Stadium could hardly be steeper. Manchester City are in sizzling form, having won six consecutive matches across all competitions. Pep Guardiola's side sit just two points behind league leaders Arsenal following a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend and a midweek Carabao Cup win against Brentford.
Santo's Realistic Approach to City Challenge
Fully aware of the task, the West Ham boss was pragmatic in his assessment. "They are very good, very talented and with a very good manager and it will be very tough," Santo admitted. He emphasised a collective approach for his team, who are currently three points adrift of the safety zone held by Leeds United.
"It’s up to us to compete against them and we must play very well. We have to prepare the team with the details that we consider important," he added. "It’s about how we compete against all of the Manchester City players, rather than individuals. We work on reality and our reality is Saturday, Man City, and it’s a tough one."
The match kicks off at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with West Ham hoping the return of Fullkrug can provide a crucial spark against the reigning champions.
