Niclas Fullkrug’s exclusion from Germany’s squad for the upcoming fixtures against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland has raised eyebrows, but for West Ham fans, it might be a blessing in disguise. The towering striker has a history of picking up injuries while on international duty, and a break from the national setup could offer a much-needed window for recovery and reflection.
Under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, Fullkrug has started both of West Ham’s recent matches, as he evaluates his attacking options. It’s a department that former boss Graham Potter notably downplayed during the summer transfer window, despite the club’s glaring need for a reliable goal-scorer.
Fullkrug rarely troubled the Arsenal defence
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Fullkrug’s start to the 2025–26 Premier League season has been anything but prolific. Despite looking sharp in preseason, he’s managed six appearances and 388 minutes without registering a single goal or assist. With just three shots on target and a shot accuracy of 37.5%, his output places him 165th out of 239 Premier League players who’ve played at least three games.
Chalk & Cheese From German Striker
This is a stark contrast to his final Bundesliga campaign, where he made 55 appearances across all competitions and contributed 19 goals and 11 assists. The regression is undeniable.
Some of the blame falls on Fullkrug himself, but the system around him hasn’t helped. In Germany, he thrived in setups that emphasised structured build-up play and aerial service. At West Ham, he often looks isolated, starved of quality chances, and unsupported by a creative midfield.
West Ham don’t appear to have got the Dortmund version of Fullkrug
Nuno has begun to tweak the formula, deploying Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville on the wings with an emphasis on crossing—an area where El Hadji Malick Diouf has already impressed. If Lucas Paqueta can rediscover consistent form, the Brazilian playmaker could be the key to unlocking Fullkrug’s potential.
Still, the striker’s confidence appears shaken, and that dip has carried over to his international prospects. His omission from the Germany squad is a clear signal that Fullkrug needs to rediscover his edge, and fast.
Whether he can turn things around at the London Stadium or if a change of scenery is needed remains to be seen. But for now, the spotlight is firmly on him to prove he’s not another player affected by the “West Ham curse!”