Julen Lopetegui says West Ham ace has fully recovered from injury

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West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui spoke to the media during his pre-match press conference today.

And the Hammers chief provided a big injury update.

Julen Lopetegui enjoyed a fantastic summer transfer window at the London Stadium, but West Ham have made a slow start to the Premier League season.

Saturday’s clash with Fulham is vitally important, as we need a result following our return of just three points from our opening three league games.

West Ham have a few injury concerns ahead of the match, after a hugely frustrating international break.

But there is some really good news for the Hammers fans…

Julen Lopetegui says West Ham ace has recovered from injury

The Spaniard addressed a selection of reporters this afternoon ahead of this weekend’s clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Lopetegui has a very strong squad at his disposal, but it’s still vital for him that his key players remain injury free this season.

With that in mind, it was a huge concern when Alphonse Areola went off injured at half-time during our clash with Manchester City 12 days ago.

However, he was on the bench for France earlier this week, and now Lopetegui has explained that the 31-year-old is full recovered from his back problem, as quoted by WHUFC.com.

Lopetegui said, “He’s OK. He’s recovered well.“

That’s great news, it really is.

Alphonse Areola key for West Ham

In 31 Premier League games for West Ham last term, Areola made 138 saves, 11 punches, 20 high claims, four catches, four sweeper clearances and saved two penalties (Premier League’s official website).

He has some of the very best reflexes in the English top flight, and now that he’s playing behind a proper back four this season, there’s no reason why he can’t rack up 10 clean sheets or more in the Premier League.

If I’m being super critical, I would like to see him command his penalty area with more authority.

He showed that particular weakness during our opening day defeat to Aston Villa, and it’s something that he really does need to improve.

Overall though, Alphonse Areola is one of the best in the business, and we’re lucky to have him at West Ham.

Having him start against Fulham will be a very big boost for the Hammers.