As if Nuno Espírito Santo’s job at West Ham United isn’t already hard enough, he’s now been dealt a fresh injury blow.

Just before heading out on international duty, German forward Niclas Füllkrug reportedly tore his thigh while training with the East Londoners.

While it’s not clear when the 32-year-old will be back, it is clear that he won’t be available for at least a few Premier League games.

Fortunately, there are a few options Nuno can choose to solve this issue, including handing someone their first start for the side.

How West Ham can replace Fullkrug

The most apparent solution to Fullkrug’s injury, though the least inspiring, is to simply start Callum Wilson in his place.

Chalkboard

After all, the Englishman is an out-and-out striker with Premier League experience and has already scored a goal this season.

However, even though he’s scored, the former Newcastle United ace hasn’t looked particularly threatening or fit for the Hammers, and there is no guarantee he’ll score again since he only found the back of the net once in 22 games last season.

So with this in mind, it might make sense to move the far more prolific Jarrod Bowen back down the middle for a few weeks.

However, while this might not be the worst idea in the world, the Hammers’ incredible talisman can have a greater impact on proceedings and play to his strength when starting on the right.

Moreover, if he is down the middle, Nuno may have to throw the 19-year-old Luis Guilherme in at the deep end on the right, which doesn’t feel wise.

Finally, the manager could also potentially move Crysencio Summerville up top, as he looked a real threat in the game against Everton.

Yet, in doing this, Nuno would once again be significantly weakening his wide areas, as the Dutchman looks incredible out wide and is building a real understanding with El Hadji Malick Diouf.

How Nuno can fix West Ham's Fullkrug blow

While it seems there are significant drawbacks to every solution for Nuno, there is one last option he could try that may well prove to be the best: starting Callum Marshall.

Yes, with Fullkrug out of the picture and Wilson a less-than-inspiring stand-in, the manager should be bold and hand the academy gem his first competitive start for West Ham.

Granted, some might argue that the 20-year-old is still too young to be entrusted with a responsibility, but he already has a decent amount of experience for someone his age.

Appearances

46

Minutes

2841′

Goals

10

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.30

Minutes per Goal Involvement

202.92′

For example, he spent last season on loan with League One side Huddersfield Town, scoring ten goals and providing four assists in 46 appearances, totalling 2841 minutes.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.28 games, or every 202.92 minutes, and while that might not sound overly impressive, it’s important to remember it was his first proper season of regular first-team football.

Moreover, he clearly made a significant impact during his time with the Terriers as he was named the club’s Player of the Year for his efforts.

On top of looking good on loan last season, starting the “natural goalscorer,” as dubbed by former Huddersfield boss Michael Duff, would also allow Bowen and Summerville to remain on the wings.

In other words, the youngster’s inclusion in the team will see the rest of the attack continue to perform at its best, which could help him get his name on the scoresheet for the first time in claret and blue.

Ultimately, it would, of course, be something of a risk to start Marshall, but considering everything and the other options, it certainly seems like a risk worth taking for West Ham and Nuno.