West Ham striker Niclas Füllkrug given unusual training freedom after Werder Bremen revival

West Ham United loanee Niclas Füllkrug has reportedly been given greater control over his training workload at Werder Bremen as the German striker enjoys an impressive return to Bundesliga football.

The 33-year-old scored his fifth and sixth Bundesliga goals of the season in Bremen's 2-2 draw with Paderborn on 17 October, extending his scoring run to five consecutive league matches.

According to German publication SportBILD, a personalised approach to training and recovery has played a part in his improved form following an injury-disrupted spell at West Ham.

SportBILD reports that Füllkrug has an agreement with Bremen manager Daniel Thioune allowing him to adjust his workload during the week when he feels additional recovery is necessary.

The arrangement is intended to help the striker manage the physical demands of regular Bundesliga football.

Füllkrug has struggled with muscular injuries during his career, including during his time at West Ham, and his fitness was a consideration when he returned to Bremen in August.

Thioune acknowledged shortly after the transfer that Füllkrug was in better physical condition than expected, although he would need time to build up his match fitness.

His performances have since provided Bremen with an immediate return on their decision to bring him back.

Füllkrug's double against Paderborn made him the first Bremen player since Claudio Pizarro in 2016 to score in five consecutive Bundesliga matches.

Füllkrug's form has also brought renewed attention to his future beyond the current campaign.

Bremen signed the striker on a season-long loan from West Ham in August, with German reports indicating that the agreement does not include an option to buy.

BILD reported on 13 October that Bremen want to keep Füllkrug beyond the end of his loan, although a permanent transfer could prove complicated.

The German international remains under contract with West Ham until 2028, meaning Bremen would need to negotiate a separate agreement with the Hammers.

Füllkrug accepted a substantial reduction in his earnings to return to Bremen, where he previously established himself as a Bundesliga goalscorer and helped the club secure promotion in 2022.

His willingness to make that financial sacrifice demonstrated the importance of the move to him, but there is no confirmed agreement over his future beyond next summer.

Füllkrug's loan is due to expire in summer 2027, when he is scheduled to return to West Ham.

If Bremen pursue a permanent transfer, they will need to agree terms with the Hammers, who reportedly have the striker under contract until 2028.