West Ham boosted by Niclas Fullkrug's return for Man City game

The Hammers are set to receive a notable boost before travelling to the Etihad Stadium, despite facing one of the toughest challenges in the division.

West Ham arrive off the back of a defeat to Aston Villa, having previously recorded back-to-back draws. That loss left them three points behind Leeds United, who currently occupy the final safe position in the league table, underlining the importance of every fixture at this stage of the season.

Manchester City, meanwhile, head into the weekend in formidable form. Pep Guardiola's side sit just two points behind leaders Arsenal and have won six consecutive matches across all competitions.

Their momentum continued during the week with a Carabao Cup victory over Brentford, which followed an impressive 3-0 away win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend.

West Ham will, however, be without Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mallick Diouf, both of whom have departed to represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The availability of Fullkrug, returning after another injury absence, is therefore considered particularly positive news.

"There are two points [on the absence of Diouf and Wan-Bissaka]," West Ham boss Nuno Esprito Santo began.

"I'm happy for them, because I think it's important to go and represent your national teams. But, as a squad, we are going to miss them.

"We have to deal with the situation, though. AFCON is something that's been in the schedule, so it's up to us to find solutions.

"We have to find players who can come into those positions, and Kyle and Ollie (Scarles) (Walker-Peters) are the natural options. Niclas has returned. He returned today to part of the session, which is positive." 

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