West Ham seeking to improve attacking choices in January

West Ham will search reinforcements in ahead areas over the following month, in response to boss Julen Lopetegui.

The Hammers have misplaced Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen to long-term accidents in latest weeks whereas Germany worldwide Niclas Fullkrug has struggled with type and health since becoming a member of from Borussia Dortmund over the summer time.

The January window is open and Lopetegui is hoping technical director Tim Steidten can present some reinforcements.

He mentioned: “We have now misplaced two vital forwards however the membership is aware of our wants and will likely be working.

“The membership is working to do that work, and we now have to place our concentrate on being able to compete in video games.

“I don’t speak concerning the market right here – I’m extra targeted on the following video games, and having all our strengths and beliefs on Saturday. The gamers who aren’t right here received’t assist us on Saturday.”

Beginning 2025 with a visit to Manchester 🚍 pic.twitter.com/mXeFzsaUPT

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 1, 2025

Bowen out for some time – Lopetegui

Bowen’s fractured foot – suffered throughout Sunday’s 5-0 defeat at house to Premier League leaders Liverpool – is a selected blow.

“He’s not going to be out for a number of days, for certain,” mentioned Lopetegui of the England winger.

“Sadly for us he has an damage, he performed for half-hour with it, and now he has to get well.

“It’s not excellent news for us, however we’re certain he’ll work laborious on his restoration due to his character. I want to not give a lot of days, however we’ll see how issues develop.

“Jarrod is considered one of our predominant gamers, and our captain, however we now have to seek out options, and it’s as much as the opposite gamers to point out they’re prepared. We’re in search of Jarrod to get well rapidly, however in the identical manner trying on the different gamers.”

Antonio spending time with household

Antonio sustained a decrease limb fracture in a automobile crash a month in the past and received’t be returning for the foreseeable future.

“Michail goes to be out for a while, however it’s good he’s house together with his household,” added Lopetegui. “For certain he’s going to attempt to get well as quickly as potential however we’re not going to have him again right here for a very long time.”

West Ham go to Manchester Metropolis on Saturday with Alphonse Areola set to proceed in purpose with Lukasz Fabianski nonetheless out because of the head damage he suffered at Southampton on Boxing Day.

“We have now to attend 10 days to fulfil the Premier League protocol, after that he will likely be prepared to assist us however we’re assured in Alphonse and Wes [Foderingham],” mentioned former Actual Madrid boss Lopetegui.