West Ham United are facing a mounting injury crisis that could reshape their January transfer plans.
Following their FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa, Graham Potter’s side has been dealt another devastating blow with Niclas Füllkrug set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
The German striker, who was forced off after just 16 minutes at Villa Park, has reportedly suffered a significant hamstring injury. Initial scans indicate he could miss up to three months of action, as per The Sun’s Jack Rosser. While the club has yet to specify the recovery timeline, their statement that Füllkrug will be out “for weeks” does little to ease the growing concerns at London Stadium.
Füllkrug’s Frustrating Campaign
Since his summer arrival, Füllkrug’s time at West Ham has been plagued by setbacks. The forward missed a substantial chunk of the season from September to December with an Achilles issue and has managed just nine Premier League appearances, contributing two goals against Leicester City and Manchester City. With this latest injury, his impact on the campaign seems increasingly limited.
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The Need for Reinforcements
The timing of Füllkrug’s setback couldn’t be worse for the Hammers, who are already without key attacking options Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen. Antonio is recovering from a long-term issue, while Bowen’s absence further depletes Potter’s offensive arsenal.
Given these circumstances, it’s almost inconceivable that West Ham will avoid dipping into the transfer market to address their striker shortage. TEAMtalk sources suggest the club could reignite their interest in Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park.
Calvert-Lewin: A Viable Solution?
The Everton striker, now 27, has struggled to find form this season, scoring just twice in 19 appearances for a side lacking creativity. However, West Ham’s abundance of playmakers, including Lucas Paquetá and Mohammed Kudus, could provide Calvert-Lewin with the service he needs to rediscover his scoring touch.
That said, the return of David Moyes to Everton may complicate any potential deal. Moyes could see Calvert-Lewin as a crucial figure in his plans to steer the Toffees clear of relegation, making a mid-season transfer less likely.
Broader Transfer Plans: Midfield and Defensive Targets
While a new striker remains a priority, West Ham are also exploring other areas of reinforcement. The club is reportedly pursuing Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Ben Chilwell to strengthen their squad under Potter.
Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Chelsea just six months ago, appears surplus to requirements under Enzo Maresca and could be available for transfer. The midfielder’s availability has attracted interest from multiple clubs, but West Ham are believed to be leading the race. Meanwhile, Chilwell is seen as a key target to bolster the left-back position, an area where the Hammers need depth.
Rashford Rumors Swirl
In a surprising twist, West Ham have also been linked with Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. According to journalist Alex Crook, the England international is a name to watch as the Hammers weigh up a potential blockbuster move. United’s reported willingness to offload Rashford has fueled speculation, though it remains unclear whether West Ham are prepared to meet the financial demands such a deal would entail.
Potter’s Tactical Evolution
The January transfer window presents Potter with an opportunity to mold the squad to his vision. Meanwhile, the former Chelsea manager is known for his tactical flexibility and may see this as a chance to bring in players suited to his preferred style.
While the injury setbacks are a blow, they also provide a clear mandate for the club’s hierarchy to act decisively in the market. Furthermore, with the team competing on multiple fronts, January’s activity could prove pivotal in determining West Ham’s fortunes for the remainder of the season.
A Defining Month for the Hammers
As the January window progresses, all eyes will be on West Ham’s recruitment strategy. Whether they secure a proven striker, solidify their midfield, or make a surprise splash with a high-profile signing, the decisions made in the coming weeks will have a lasting impact on the club’s campaign.
Saying so, the pressure is mounting, and fans will be hoping that the injury crisis sparks the reinforcements needed to keep the Hammers competitive. Finally, with rumors swirling and targets identified, West Ham’s January business could set the stage for a transformative second half of the season.
