Graham Potter reveals new West Ham striker fitness update before Crystal Palace clash | OneFootball

Callum Wilson being eased along slowly with fellow forward Niclas Fullkrug dealing with another knock

Graham Potter is unsure when Callum Wilson will be able to start consistently for West Ham as the striker works his way up to full fitness.

However, the 33-year-old, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, is yet to start a game for his new club following his release by Newcastle at the end of last season.

Potter says Wilson’s rehabilitation will be a gradual process and isn’t putting a timeframe on when he’ll be able to start successive games for West Ham.

“Well, he didn’t have any pre-season, so we’ve been building him up. I think he had a slight issue last week, which meant he couldn’t start. I didn’t think it was right for him to start,” Potter told Standard Sport.

“But he’s had a really good week training and he’s closer to that. I think when he starts, he won’t be able to do 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes.

“It will be again a management of him. You only have to look at his recent history in terms of availability to understand that there’s a process we have to go through with him.”

Wilson and fellow striker Niclas Fullkrug, who suffered a calf injury during the international break, were on the bench as West Ham fell to a 3-0 defeat by Tottenham last weekend.

It’s a concern for Potter that he seems unable to rely on the only two senior strikers at the club to play consistently, but he is adamant Wilson will rediscover his best form.

“We’re really, really happy with what he’s done and who he is and what he’s brought to the team,” he said. “He’s a fantastic character, he’s obviously scored against Forest and he’s getting stronger and stronger every day, so it’s really good.”

Wilson, who echoed Potter’s calls for unity amid supporter unrest in a club interview this week, has settled quickly, acting as a supportive figure during a tough period for West Ham.

“He’s just a good human being that knows the game, knows how to act, knows how to deal with success and failure,” Potter said. “He’s been through it and seen it, had his setbacks, supports the team, supports his team-mates, whether he’s playing or not.

“But he can handle himself around the dressing room, he just acts in a good way. And we’re really happy with him.”