West Ham blow as Mohammed Kudus facing extended ban after red card

NICLAS FULLKRUG has travelled to Germany in a bid to end his injury troubles as West Ham face losing Mohammed Kudus to an extended ban.

German striker Fullkrug is yet to start a Premier League game or score for West Ham following his £27.5million move from Borussia Dortmund.

3

3

3

The 31-year-old has been sidelined since the September international break with a calf injury – which was initially expected to see him out for just three weeks.

But complications have continued and this week the Germany international has returned to his home country for injections to try and speed up his return.

While Sunday’s visit of Manchester United is expected to come too soon, Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui will want his summer signing back quickly following Kudus‘ suspension.

The Ghana winger was sent off late in West Ham’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday and is now facing an extended ban on top of his initial three-match suspension.

Kudus, along with both West Ham and Spurs, has been charged by the FA following the melee he sparked which left three opponents on the floor.

All three parties have until Thursday to respond.

After kicking out at and hitting Micky van de Ven in the face, Kudus knocked Richarlison down and shoved midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.

In a statement, The FA said: “Tottenham Hotspur allegedly failed to ensure that their players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 82nd minute.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

“West Ham United allegedly failed to ensure that their players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative and/or violent way at the same time.

“Mohammed Kudus allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used violent conduct after the offence that he was sent off for.”

Speaking after the game, boss Lopetegui said: “It’s not good for him, it’s not good for the club, for the team.”

West Ham will already be without the winger, who had two goals in two games before his red card, for matches against Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Everton.