Aston Villa ace Ian Maatsen reacts as Niclas Fullkrug shares West Ham update
Aston Villa full-back Ian Maatsen has sent a message to West Ham star Niclas Fullkrug as he continues his recovery from injury.
The striker only moved to the London Stadium back in the summer transfer window, when West Ham signed Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund in his native Germany.
However, his career with the Hammers did not start well as he struggled to establish himself in the starting XI.
That led to suggestions that West Ham had given themselves a problem with Fullkrug’s fitness, although the German eventually got his chance in the Premier League, although his run in the side didn’t last long.
Niclas Fullkrug recovering from latest West Ham injury
Back in early January, Fullkrug was forced off after just 15 minutes as the Hammers took on Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup, in Graham Potter’s first game as manager of the club.
The striker has not made an appearance since then, although Fullkrug has delivered updates as he bids for a return to action with West Ham.
On Friday (21 March) the German international would do so again, taking to Instagram to post pictures of him in training with the rest of the squad.
| Niclas Fullkrug for West Ham | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 457 |
Those were then accompanied by a football, sun and hammers emojis, with Fullkrug not giving too much away about exactly when he will return.
In response, Maatsen was among those to comment on the post, with the Aston Villa ace replying with two loveheart emojis to show his support for the striker.
The pair already know each other well, having been teammates together at Borussia Dortmund in the second-half of last season.
Graham Potter will want his striker fit and available
Football Insider Verdict
With Michail Antonio also currently out of action, Potter has been limited in terms of the centre-forward options he has had to work with since arriving at the London Stadium.
He will therefore be keen to get Fullkrug back out on the pitch quickly to give him some extra firepower in front of goal.
That could be important for the West Ham boss given he will be keen to end the campaign on a high after what has been an underwhelming period for the club.
Indeed, Fullkrug had shown glimpses to suggest he was starting to adapt to English football just before his injury, and so he could be a useful asset when he returns.